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Keynote address by the Minister for European Affairs, Paschal Donohoe TD at the Inaugural Michael Sweetman Memorial Lecture

Some of you here this evening, assembled in his honour, knew him and loved him. So, I speak to you with some anxiety, anxious to do the man, the husband, the father and the friend justice in this inaugural lecture in his name.

27th March 2014

Latest figures show tourism’s role in economic recovery - Varadkar

New CSO figures out today show very strong growth in revenue from overseas visitors last year and confirm that tourism is playing a significant role in Ireland’s economic recovery, according to Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport Leo Varadkar.

27th March 2014

Report into social situation of young people in EU outlines challenges and opportunities ahead – Donohoe

Speaking following the launch this morning (Tuesday) of Eurofound's Third European Quality of Life Survey Report, ‘The Social Situation of Young People in Europe’, Minister for European Affairs, Paschal Donohoe TD, said the key to ensuring a better future for our young people is to provide the best means of upskilling, retraining and employment opportunities for them.

27th March 2014

Resignation is welcome, but not enough for St Vincent’s – Harris

Fine Gael European Election Candidate for Ireland South and member of the Public Accounts Committee, Simon Harris TD, has today (Thursday) said that while the resignation of Nicolas Jermyn from St Vincent’s Public Hospital is welcome, there are still a number of outstanding issues for the hospital to address.

27th March 2014

Speech by Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport Leo Varadkar in the Dáil Debate on the Garda Inspectorate Report on the Fixed Charge Processing System

At the outset, I believe that it is important to note that the Fixed Charge Notice and penalty points system has operated extremely well since its introduction in 2002, and has enjoyed wide public support. This is evidenced by the fact that over 70% of those who receive a fixed charge notice pay it within 28 days. The system plays a very important role in enhancing road safety, but it is essential that the system is applied equally and without favour to all road users, and that it is seen to be so.

27th March 2014

Statement by the Minister for Justice, Equality and Defence, Alan Shatter, TD, on the retirement of Garda Commissioner Martin Callinan

I wish to pay tribute to the Garda Commissioner, Martin Callinan, on his retirement from An Garda Síochána.

27th March 2014

Statement by the Minister for Justice, Equality and Defence, Alan Shatter TD, on Matters Relating to An Garda Síochána

Could I start by again paying tribute to Martin Callinan on his retirement as Commissioner of An Garda Síochána.

26th March 2014

Statement by the Minister for Justice, Equality and Defence, Alan Shatter TD, on the Garda Inspectorate Report on the Fixed Charge Processing System

I want to begin by addressing a matter of substantial importance. On October 1st 2013 in a topical issue debate on the penalty points issue I made a statement that the whistleblowers did not cooperate with the garda investigations that took place in respect of their allegations.

26th March 2014

Opt-out system could vastly increase organ donation – Buttimer

Speaking at the launch of Organ Donation Awareness Week in Cork yesterday evening (Monday), Fine Gael Cork South Central TD and Chair of the Oireachtas Health Committee, Jerry Buttimer, said that changing to an opt-out system could vastly increase the level of organ donation here.

25th March 2014

Statement from An Taoiseach Enda Kenny TD on the death of Nicky McFadden TD

An Taoiseach Enda Kenny TD today expressed his sadness at the death of Fine Gael Longford/Westmeath Deputy Nicky McFadden

25th March 2014

10th Anniversary of the Workplace Smoking Ban in Ireland

Minister for Health, Dr James Reilly T.D., today marked the 10th anniversary of the introduction of the workplace smoking ban in Ireland. Since 29th March 2004, smoking is prohibited in most enclosed workplaces under the Public Health (Tobacco) Act 2002 (as amended).

24th March 2014

Byrne welcomes jobs and investment boost for the Liberties

Fine Gael Dublin South Central TD, Catherine Byrne, has today (Monday) welcomed the announcement that the Liberties is set to benefit from a new €40 million property development at the Digital Hub. Up to 300 construction jobs will be created through the development of an additional 10,650 square feet of enterprise office space and a housing development for 470 students on Bonham Street in Dublin 8.

24th March 2014