John Paul O'Shea

Positive influence for older people on allocation and priorities of funding across a range of issues including an Independent Commissioner for Older People, tackling loneliness & isolation and the delivery of a Statutory Homecare Scheme

To influence decision makers to be more conscious of the impact of poverty on the individuals affected and society as a whole by providing information and research in relation to legislation and policy in this area with particular regard to the area of income adequacy,…

To inform elected representatives and relevant departments about the priorities for the community and voluntary sector in relation to Budget 2026.

Additional supports for people in energy poverty in Budget 2026 and a dedicated session to energy poverty

To advocate for progress on transport infrastructure projects underway in the Cork region and critical to the region's economic development, including the R624 and N25.

To underline the importance of enhanced Garda resources for Cork to keep pace with population growth and ensure safety in the city and county.

To advance progress on the development of Cork as a national hub for renewable energy, particularly offshore wind, with a view to contributing to the achievement of Ireland's overall climate targets.

To advocate for changes to housing policy to ensure sufficient supply in the Cork region, including measures to repurpose existing buildings to support additional housing supply, as well as support for areas with considerable housing development potential such as the Cork…

To ensure opportunities arising from Ireland's presidency of the Council of the EU in 2026 are realised fully, including opportunities for the inclusion of regions in the programme of events and priorities for the presidency.

To advocate for the importance of supports for economic development in the Cork region, including securing additional sites for development to facilitate inward investment.

To emphasise the importance of progress on critical infrastructure to support tourism in Cork, including advancing the development of events and festivals.

To advocate for budgetary supports for sectors such as hospitality, including potential VAT changes, in order to support the competitiveness of such sectors.

To highlight current challenges associated with childcare provision and put forward potential changes to childcare policy to support parents in the workforce.

Raise profile of the National FRC Programme and provided an opportunity for Oireachtas members to meet with FRC representatives from their region. Launch of the FRC National Forum Pre-Budget Submission for 2026 including seeking an optimum core funding of €240,000 for all 121…

i) Publish a timeline for implementation of the Programme for Government Action to abolish the means test for Carers Allowance within the lifetime of this Government. ::i) Increase the weekly limit for education, work and voluntary hours for those in receipt of Carers…