Cathy Bennett TD
Sinn Féin · Cavan-Monaghan constituency
All recent activity captured from oireachtas.ie's public open-data feeds — debate contributions and parliamentary questions. Links open the official record on the Oireachtas website.
Parliamentary questions
- May 12, 2026PQ to Minister for Further and Higher EducationThird Level Fees
Asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will outline the cost of third level fees in each of the years 2024, 2025, 2026; if he intends to reduce fees; and the timeframe in which such will be delivered.
- May 12, 2026PQ to Minister for Further and Higher EducationStudent Accommodation
Asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his proposals to ensure adequate provision of accommodation for students.
- May 07, 2026PQ to Minister for CultureDepartmental Strategies
Asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the manner in which Ireland’s International Sports Diplomacy Strategy supports the work and goals of his Department given his recent comments (details supplied).
- May 07, 2026PQ to Minister for CultureArtists' Remuneration
Asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport if he will report on the operation of the basic income for the arts scheme.
- May 07, 2026PQ to Minister for DefenceDefence Forces
Asked the Minister for Defence the establishment figure of the Defence Forces; the figure required under level of ambition 2 of the report of the Commission on the Defence Forces; and the total number in 2019 and currently.
- May 07, 2026PQ to Minister for DefenceDepartmental Policies
Asked the Minister for Defence the timeframe in which she plans to dismantle the triple lock neutrality protection.
- May 07, 2026PQ to Minister for HealthAmbulance Service
Asked the Minister for Health the number of paramedic vacancies that currently exist within the National Ambulance Service; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
- May 07, 2026PQ to Minister for HealthAmbulance Service
Asked the Minister for Health the reason candidates on panel NRS14276 have not yet been assigned posts with the National Ambulance Service; when those candidates can expect to be placed; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
- May 07, 2026PQ to Minister for HealthAmbulance Service
Asked the Minister for Health whether delays in placing qualified paramedics are affecting ambulance availability, staffing levels, and response capacity; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
- May 06, 2026PQ to Minister for SocialSchool Meals Programme
Asked the Minister for Social Protection when he plans to compile and publish a pre-approved list of suppliers for schools participating in the Hot School Meals Programme (details supplied); if he will ensure that, in developing these county-based supplier lists, priority is given to local suppliers using locally sourced produce, in order to support sustainable food systems, reduce food miles and strengthen local economies; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
- May 06, 2026PQ to Minister for SocialSchool Meals Programme
Asked the Minister for Social Protection the measures he will put in place to ensure that the Hot School Meals Programme supports local employment, delivers freshly prepared meals on a daily basis and ensures the programme supports sustainability and local economic development across all eligible providers; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
- April 28, 2026PQ to Minister for EnterpriseTourism Industry
Asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the number of bed nights available in each county, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
- April 28, 2026PQ to Minister for EnterpriseTourism Policy
Asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if he will report on his proposals to cultivate cross-Border tourism.
- April 23, 2026PQ to Minister for EducationEducation Costs
Asked the Minister for Education and Youth her proposals to address the increased costs borne by parents putting through primary and secondary education in the 2026-2027 academic year.
- April 23, 2026PQ to Minister for EducationSchool Funding
Asked the Minister for Education and Youth her proposals to ensure that primary and secondary schools are adequately funded in the 2026-2027 academic year.
- April 23, 2026PQ to Minister for ChildrenChildcare Services
Asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality to outline the proposals to address the gap in levels of funding for childcare against the increased costs borne by providers.
- April 23, 2026PQ to Minister for ChildrenDisabilities Assessments
Asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the number of children in Cavan and Monaghan that received an assessment of need within the statutory timeframe in the years 2024 to date; and the number that did not.; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
- April 23, 2026PQ to Minister for Further and Higher EducationStudent Accommodation
Asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his proposals to ensure adequate provision of accommodation for students.
- April 23, 2026PQ to Minister for Further and Higher EducationThird Level Fees
Asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the cost of third level fees in each of the years 2024, 2025, 2026; his plans to reduce fees; and the timeframe in which such will be delivered.
- April 23, 2026PQ to Minister for EducationSchool Admissions
Asked the Minister for Education and Youth if a plan is in place to ensure all 6th class primary school students with disabilities will have a place in secondary school in September 2026; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
- April 21, 2026PQ to Minister for HealthHealth Services
Asked the Minister for Health the reason the free contraception scheme excludes women older than 35 years-of-age.
- April 21, 2026PQ to Minister for HealthHospital Procedures
Asked the Minister for Health the timeframe in which she intends to deliver provision of MRI scans at Monaghan Hospital; and if she has considered providing for CT scans at Monaghan Hospital.
- April 21, 2026PQ to Minister for TransportBus Services
Asked the Minister for Transport whether he or his Department and the National Transport Authority will consider the introduction of a local link service in Corcaghan, Beaghkearns and Stranooden areas in County Monaghan; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
- April 21, 2026PQ to Minister for JusticeResidency Permits
Asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if a person with stamp 1 residency based on a general employment permit can become self-employed; if so, the procedure to acquire permission to do so; the specific criteria which enables a person with a stamp 1 to pursue the matter that is, the length of time in the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
- April 14, 2026PQ to Minister for TaoiseachDepartmental Bodies
Asked the Taoiseach the bodies which operate under his aegis which have a regulatory or enforcement remit which include provision for a person convicted of an offence to receive a fine upon summary conviction, the associated maximum amount and duration of any related potential imprisonment term; provision for a person convicted on indictment to receive a fine, the associated maximum amount and duration of any related potential imprisonment term; provision for fines predicated upon the turnover of an entity, the maximum percentage thereof and any associated imprisonment term.
- April 14, 2026PQ to Minister for ForeignDiplomatic Representation
Asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the process by which diplomats are selected and appointed to serve abroad; the criteria used in making such appointments; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
- April 14, 2026PQ to Minister for ForeignDiplomatic Representation
Asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to outline the process for selection and appointing ambassadors; whether these appointments are made through a formal competition process; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
- April 14, 2026PQ to Minister for ForeignDepartmental Bodies
Asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the bodies which operate under her aegis which have a regulatory or enforcement remit which include provision for a person convicted of an offence to receive a fine upon summary conviction, the associated maximum amount and duration of any related potential imprisonment term; provision for a person convicted on indictment to receive a fine, the associated maximum amount and duration of any related potential imprisonment term; provision for fines predicated upon the turnover of an entity, the maximum percentage thereof and any associated imprisonment term; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
- April 14, 2026PQ to Minister for ClimateFines Administration
Asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the bodies which operate under his aegis which have a regulatory or enforcement remit which include provision for a person convicted of an offence to receive a fine upon summary conviction, the associated maximum amount and duration of any related potential imprisonment term; provision for a person convicted on indictment to receive a fine, the associated maximum amount and duration of any related potential imprisonment term; provision for fines predicated upon the turnover of an entity, the maximum percentage thereof and any associated imprisonment term; and if he will make a statement on the matter
- April 14, 2026PQ to Minister for ClimateFines Administration
Asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the maximum enforcement penalties that may be levied by Inland Fisheries Ireland; if he has plans to reform same; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
- April 14, 2026PQ to Minister for ClimateFines Administration
Asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment when his Department first began work on modernising and/or consolidating legislation relating to Inland Fisheries; the work that has been completed to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
- April 14, 2026PQ to Minister for DefenceDepartmental Bodies
Asked the Minister for Defence the bodies which operate under her aegis which have a regulatory or enforcement remit which include provision for a person convicted of an offence to receive a fine upon summary conviction, the associated maximum amount and duration of any related potential imprisonment term; provision for a person convicted on indictment to receive a fine, the associated maximum amount and duration of any related potential imprisonment term; provision for fines predicated upon the turnover of an entity, the maximum percentage thereof and any associated imprisonment term; and if she will make a statement on the matter
- April 14, 2026PQ to Minister for TransportDepartmental Data
Asked the Minister for Transport the bodies which operate under his aegis which have a regulatory or enforcement remit which include provision for a person convicted of an offence to receive a fine upon summary conviction, the associated maximum amount and duration of any related potential imprisonment term; provision for a person convicted on indictment to receive a fine, the associated maximum amount and duration of any related potential imprisonment term; provision for fines predicated upon the turnover of an entity, the maximum percentage thereof and any associated imprisonment term; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
- April 14, 2026PQ to Minister for FinanceRegulatory Bodies
Asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the bodies which operate under his aegis which have a regulatory or enforcement remit which include provision for a person convicted of an offence to receive a fine upon summary conviction, the associated maximum amount and duration of any related potential imprisonment term; provision for a person convicted on indictment to receive a fine, the associated maximum amount and duration of any related potential imprisonment term; provision for fines predicated upon the turnover of an entity, the maximum percentage thereof and any associated imprisonment term; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
- April 14, 2026PQ to Minister for Public ExpenditureDepartmental Bodies
Asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the bodies which operate under his aegis which have a regulatory or enforcement remit which include provision for a person convicted of an offence to receive a fine upon summary conviction, the associated maximum amount and duration of any related potential imprisonment term; provision for a person convicted on indictment to receive a fine, the associated maximum amount and duration of any related potential imprisonment term; provision for fines predicated upon the turnover of an entity, the maximum percentage thereof and any associated imprisonment term; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
- April 14, 2026PQ to Minister for EnterpriseDepartmental Bodies
Asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the bodies which operate under his aegis which have a regulatory or enforcement remit which include provision for a person convicted of an offence to receive a fine upon summary conviction, the associated maximum amount and duration of any related potential imprisonment term; provision for a person convicted on indictment to receive a fine, the associated maximum amount and duration of any related potential imprisonment term; provision for fines predicated upon the turnover of an entity, the maximum percentage thereof and any associated imprisonment term; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
- April 14, 2026PQ to Minister for EducationSpecial Educational Needs
Asked the Minister for Education and Youth if a school (details supplied) will be approved for an autism unit for September 2026; the number of pupils that will be accommodated; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
- April 14, 2026PQ to Minister for EducationState Examinations
Asked the Minister for Education and Youth if there will be State examination fees for junior cycle and Leaving Certificate students in 2026; the fees charged in each of the years 2021 to date in 2026, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
- April 14, 2026PQ to Minister for EducationDepartmental Inquiries
Asked the Minister for Education and Youth the bodies which operate under her aegis which have a regulatory or enforcement remit which include provision for a person convicted of an offence to receive a fine upon summary conviction, the associated maximum amount and duration of any related potential imprisonment term; provision for a person convicted on indictment to receive a fine, the associated maximum amount and duration of any related potential imprisonment term; provision for fines predicated upon the turnover of an entity, the maximum percentage thereof and any associated imprisonment term; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
- April 14, 2026PQ to Minister for CultureDepartmental Bodies
Asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the bodies which operate under his aegis which have a regulatory or enforcement remit which include provision for a person convicted of an offence to receive a fine upon summary conviction, the associated maximum amount and duration of any related potential imprisonment term; provision for a person convicted on indictment to receive a fine, the associated maximum amount and duration of any related potential imprisonment term; provision for fines predicated upon the turnover of an entity, the maximum percentage thereof and any associated imprisonment term; and if he will make a statement on the matter
- April 14, 2026PQ to Minister for HousingDepartmental Bodies
Asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the bodies which operate under his aegis which have a regulatory or enforcement remit which include provision for a person convicted of an offence to receive a fine upon summary conviction, the associated maximum amount and duration of any related potential imprisonment term; provision for a person convicted on indictment to receive a fine, the associated maximum amount and duration of any related potential imprisonment term; provision for fines predicated upon the turnover of an entity, the maximum percentage thereof and any associated imprisonment term; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
- April 14, 2026PQ to Minister for SocialSchool Meals Programme
Asked the Minister for Social Protection the mechanism by which a company can be placed on a pre-approved list of local suppliers regarding the hot school meals scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
- April 14, 2026PQ to Minister for SocialSchool Meals Programme
Asked the Minister for Social Protection the mechanism by which a company can be placed on a pre-approved list of local suppliers regarding the hot school meals scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
- April 14, 2026PQ to Minister for SocialDepartmental Bodies
Asked the Minister for Social Protection the bodies which operate under his aegis which have a regulatory or enforcement remit which include provision for a person convicted of an offence to receive a fine upon summary conviction, the associated maximum amount and duration of any related potential imprisonment term; provision for a person convicted on indictment to receive a fine, the associated maximum amount and duration of any related potential imprisonment term; provision for fines predicated upon the turnover of an entity, the maximum percentage thereof and any associated imprisonment term; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
- April 14, 2026PQ to Minister for JusticeQuestion Heading for question(s) 2122
Asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the bodies which operate under his aegis which have a regulatory or enforcement remit which include provision for a person convicted of an offence to receive a fine upon summary conviction, the associated maximum amount and duration of any related potential imprisonment term; provision for a person convicted on indictment to receive a fine, the associated maximum amount and duration of any related potential imprisonment term; provision for fines predicated upon the turnover of an entity, the maximum percentage thereof and any associated imprisonment term; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
- April 14, 2026PQ to Minister for AgricultureDepartmental Bodies
Asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the bodies which operate under his aegis which have a regulatory or enforcement remit which include provision for a person convicted of an offence to receive a fine upon summary conviction, the associated maximum amount and duration of any related potential imprisonment term; provision for a person convicted on indictment to receive a fine, the associated maximum amount and duration of any related potential imprisonment term; provision for fines predicated upon the turnover of an entity, the maximum percentage thereof and any associated imprisonment term; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
- April 14, 2026PQ to Minister for ChildrenChildcare Services
Asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the plans her Department has in place to ensure staff retention within the childcare sector; the plans to increase staff numbers within the childcare sector; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
- April 14, 2026PQ to Minister for ChildrenChildcare Services
Asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality when the fee increase assessment process is expected to be finalised and communicated to providers participating in the core funding programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
- April 14, 2026PQ to Minister for ChildrenDepartmental Bodies
Asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the bodies which operate under her aegis which have a regulatory or enforcement remit which include provision for a person convicted of an offence to receive a fine upon summary conviction, the associated maximum amount and duration of any related potential imprisonment term; provision for a person convicted on indictment to receive a fine, the associated maximum amount and duration of any related potential imprisonment term; provision for fines predicated upon the turnover of an entity, the maximum percentage thereof and any associated imprisonment term; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
- April 14, 2026PQ to Minister for HealthHealth Services
Asked the Minister for Health to provide an update on the current status of the SOLAS Adult ADHD services in the Laois/Offaly area; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Dáil contributions
- May 14, 2026DebateIndustrial Development (Amendment) and Miscellaneous Provisions Bill 2026: Second Stage
- May 12, 2026StatementInternational Nurses Day: Statements
- May 07, 2026DebateBusiness of Committee
- May 07, 2026StatementFinancial Statements 2024: National Oil Reserves Agency
- May 07, 2026StatementEurope Day: Statements
- May 06, 2026DebateBuilding Climate Resilience and Flood Risk Adaptation: Discussion (Resumed)
- May 06, 2026OrderofbusinessAn tOrd Gnó - Order of Business
- April 30, 2026DebateBusiness of Committee
- April 30, 2026StatementFinancial Statements 2024: Children's Health Ireland and the National Paediatric Hospital Development Board
- April 30, 2026StatementSupports for Hauliers and Supply Chains: Statements
- April 29, 2026DebateDriver Licences
- April 28, 2026DebateThe GAA's Work Internationally and with the Diaspora: Engagement with the Gaelic Athletic Association
- April 23, 2026DebateBusiness of Committee
- April 23, 2026DebateHospital Insourcing Funding Arrangements: Discussion
- April 22, 2026QuestionsCeisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation
- April 22, 2026StatementPost European Council Meeting: Statements
- April 21, 2026QuestionAmbulance Service
- April 21, 2026DebateCurrent Situation in Afghanistan: Discussion
- April 15, 2026QuestionsCeisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions
- April 15, 2026StatementFootball: Statements
- April 15, 2026MotionTackling Soaring Energy Costs: Motion [Private Members]