TDs / Ken O'Flynn

Official portrait of Ken O'Flynn

Ken O'Flynn

Independent Ireland Cork North-Central TD in this Dáil since 29 November 2024

Official Oireachtas profile

Portrait: © Houses of the Oireachtas (Oireachtas (Open Data) PSI Licence) · source file

9,005
questions asked
Oral and written, to government departments
86,377
words spoken in the chamber
Across 393 contributions. Plus 40 contributions from the chair, not counted
296
votes recorded
Each Yes, No or Abstained in a recorded vote
421
topics asked about
Across 20 departments

From the Dáil chamber only: committee meetings are not in this archive.

What they ask about

The subject headings the Oireachtas filed their questions under.

Who they ask

The departments their questions were addressed to.

Month by month

Low months are usually recesses, when the Dáil does not sit. The archive runs to 3 November 2026.

Questions asked 9,005 in all

Dec 2024Nov 2026

Contributions to debates 397 in all

Dec 2024Nov 2026
Show as a table
MonthQuestionsContributions
December 2024 0 1
January 2025 0 1
February 2025 17 20
March 2025 14 22
April 2025 24 16
May 2025 227 18
June 2025 49 14
July 2025 35 24
August 2025 0 0
September 2025 663 33
October 2025 297 9
November 2025 1,060 18
December 2025 621 2
January 2026 190 45
February 2026 911 14
March 2026 387 38
April 2026 691 31
May 2026 2,122 20
June 2026 635 22
July 2026 289 11
August 2026 0 2
September 2026 347 12
October 2026 426 20
November 2026 0 4

Debates they spoke in most

Plus 188 contributions in the regular slots, such as Leaders' Questions and Priority Questions. Speech from the chair is not counted.

Asked about similar topics

Worked out by computer from the subject headings of each TD's questions, giving more weight to headings few TDs use. It shows shared subjects, not shared views.

Party, constituency and offices

  1. constituency Cork North-Central 29 November 2024 to now
  2. party Independent Ireland 29 November 2024 to now
Ken O'Flynn Written 19 Nov 2025 · to Justice
269. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration whether criminal convictions from other countries are considered when licensing private security personnel; and whether gaps in international vetting could allow individuals with violent histories to be employed in high-risk environments. [64500/25]
Ken O'Flynn Written 19 Nov 2025 · to Justice
270. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration whether licensed security personnel are periodically re-vetted for new criminal convictions; and whether the absence of ongoing monitoring is a potential risk to public safety. [64501/25]
Ken O'Flynn Written 19 Nov 2025 · to Justice
271. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration whether the PSA requires venues or employers to report serious misconduct or criminal behaviour by licensed security staff; and whether failure to report such behaviour could be addressed through stronger regulatory requirements. [64506/25]
Ken O'Flynn Written 19 Nov 2025 · to Justice
272. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration whether private security personnel from outside Ireland are subject to enhanced vetting procedures before being licensed by the Private Security Authority; and whether the PSA has clear standards for checking criminal records, professional history, and suitability in their home countries. [64507/25]
Ken O'Flynn Written 19 Nov 2025 · to Justice
273. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the procedures the PSA and Gardaí use to verify criminal convictions or disciplinary records for security staff who previously worked outside Ireland; whether international vetting relies on Interpol, EU criminal record exchange, or other mechanisms; and whether gaps have been identified in this process. [64508/25]
Ken O'Flynn Written 19 Nov 2025 · to Justice
274. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration how private security staff from other countries who are hired on a temporary or short-term basis are vetted; whether there is any statutory requirement for full Garda or PSA approval; and whether he considers current procedures sufficient to prevent unsuitable individuals from being employed. [64509/25]
Ken O'Flynn Written 19 Nov 2025 · to Justice
275. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration whether there have been any incidents or complaints involving security personnel from outside Ireland where inadequate background checks contributed to unsafe situations; and whether lessons have been learned to improve vetting standards.; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [64510/25]
Ken O'Flynn Written 19 Nov 2025 · to Justice
276. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration whether he will consider reviewing and strengthening PSA vetting policies for non-Irish security staff to ensure consistent standards of safety, suitability, and accountability across all licensed personnel, regardless of nationality. [64511/25]
Ken O'Flynn Written 19 Nov 2025 · to Justice
277. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration whether the Private Security Authority ensures robust vetting and background checks for security personnel licensed to work in high-risk environments such as nightclubs and bars; whether periodic re-vetting occurs; and whether reforms are planned to prevent unfit individuals from working in roles where serious harm could occur. [64512/…
Ken O'Flynn Written 19 Nov 2025 · to Justice
278. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration whether he will clarify what constitutes "reasonable force" for private security staff in licensed venues; whether guidance includes practical scenarios in nightlife settings; and whether current enforcement mechanisms are adequate to prevent misuse. [64513/25]
Ken O'Flynn Written 19 Nov 2025 · to Justice
279. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration whether he is satisfied that security staff correctly apply common-law citizen's arrest powers; whether misuse is being monitored; and whether statutory clarification or reform is required to prevent unlawful detentions. [64514/25]
Ken O'Flynn Written 19 Nov 2025 · to Justice
280. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration whether he will review the use of holding rooms or secure areas in licensed premises, including their legality, oversight, and minimum safety or monitoring standards to protect detained patrons. [64515/25]
Ken O'Flynn Written 19 Nov 2025 · to Justice
281. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration whether current insurance requirements for private security contractors adequately cover harm caused by staff, including assault, unlawful detention, or negligence; and whether reforms are needed to ensure victims can access remedies. [64516/25]
Ken O'Flynn Written 19 Nov 2025 · to Justice
282. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration whether the PSA's training requirements for private security personnel are sufficient to equip staff with the skills necessary to safely manage intoxicated or vulnerable patrons, apply reasonable force appropriately, recognise potential spiking or medical emergencies, and comply with duty-of-care obligations; and whether he will consid…
Ken O'Flynn Written 19 Nov 2025 · to Justice
283. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration whether licensed venues have a statutory obligation to ensure their contracted security personnel are trained, supervised, and monitored; and whether failure to meet this obligation could result in regulatory or civil liability. [64524/25]
Ken O'Flynn Written 19 Nov 2025 · to Justice
284. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration whether he will consider introducing mandatory public reporting by the PSA and licensed venues on security-related incidents, including assaults, detentions, and complaints, to improve transparency and public confidence in oversight. [64525/25]
Ken O'Flynn Written 19 Nov 2025 · to Justice
285. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration whether he will commission a comprehensive review of the Private Security Services Act 2004, including licensing, citizen's arrest, holding areas, training, complaints handling, and duty-of-care provisions, with a view to addressing systemic gaps and improving protection for members of the public. [64526/25]
Ken O'Flynn Written 19 Nov 2025 · to Justice
286. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration whether licensed venues have a statutory obligation to verify the PSA licence status of all contracted security personnel, including those supplied by external agencies; and whether failure to verify constitutes a breach of duty or exposes the venue to liability. [64527/25]
Ken O'Flynn Written 19 Nov 2025 · to Justice
287. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration whether the PSA has any mechanisms to monitor or audit security agencies supplying staff to licensed venues, to ensure that all personnel are properly licensed and vetted; and whether he considers current oversight adequate. [64528/25]
Ken O'Flynn Written 19 Nov 2025 · to Justice
288. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration whether there have been any reported incidents where unlicensed or improperly vetted security staff supplied via agencies caused harm to patrons or breached regulations; and the measures which have been taken to prevent recurrence. [64529/25]
Ken O'Flynn Written 19 Nov 2025 · to Justice
289. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration whether he will issue clear guidance to venues on their responsibilities when hiring security staff through agencies, including checking licence validity, verifying training, and confirming suitability. [64530/25]
Ken O'Flynn Written 19 Nov 2025 · to Justice
290. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration whether a person must be an Irish citizen to obtain a Private Security Authority (PSA) licence; and if not, what residency or visa status is required for licensing. [64531/25]
Ken O'Flynn Written 19 Nov 2025 · to Justice
291. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration what procedures the PSA uses to verify that applicants from outside Ireland have lawful permission to work; and whether there are gaps in verification that could allow unqualified or unauthorized personnel to be employed as security staff. [64532/25]
Ken O'Flynn Written 19 Nov 2025 · to Justice
292. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration how the PSA ensures that temporary, seasonal, or agency-supplied security staff from abroad are properly vetted, licensed, and legally entitled to work in Ireland; and whether current procedures are sufficient to protect public safety. [64533/25]
Ken O'Flynn Written 19 Nov 2025 · to Justice
293. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration whether there is any ongoing monitoring to ensure that foreign or temporary security personnel continue to hold valid visas, or work permits throughout their employment; and whether failure to monitor could create risks for patrons and venues. [64534/25]