Clare TDs have asked more questions in the Dáil this year about international protection than any other topic.
An analysis of oral and written questions submitted by this county’s deputies shows matters related to international protection leapfrogged health services as the most frequently raised topic in 2024 to date.
A parliamentary question, or PQ, is a question raised by a TD in oral or written form in Dáil Éireann.
Typically, these questions are addressed to the Taoiseach, the Tánaiste, a Minister or a Minister of State for answer, and relate to a policy issue, service-related issue, an individual personal matter or another matter of public interest.
Since January 1st, Clare’s TDs have asked 1,076 oral and written questions to representatives of various departments in Dáil Éireann – the ninth highest of any constituency.
Kilrush Independent Deputy Violet Anne-Wynne asked more questions than any other Clare TD this year with 496 submitted.
This was followed by Meelick Fianna Fáil Deputy Cathal Crowe with 419, Scariff Independent Michael McNamara with 146 and Clarecastle Fine Gael TD Joe Carey who’s been on a leave of absence since March 2023 and has submitted 15 written questions.
The most frequently raised topics by Clare TDs this year were international protection, health services, disability services, bus services and departmental data.
Collectively, Clare’s TDs questioned matters related to international protection 50 times with Tipperary being the only constituency whose TDs asked more questions on the topic.
Deputy Wynne’s most frequently raised topic was disability assessments while for Deputy Crowe this was departmental policies and Deputy Carey’s was pension provisions.
Michael McNamara asked more questions on international protection than any other TD in the Dáil – bringing up the topic on 40 separate occasions.
