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Minister for Justice and Equality Frances Fitzgerald invites Irish nominations to key European Committee on the Prevention of Torture (CPT)

The Minister for Justice and Equality, Ms Frances Fitzgerald TD, today announced she was seeking expressions of interest from suitably qualified members of the public to apply to be considered for appointment as Ireland’s representative on the Council of Europe Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CPT).

Irish SMEs benefitting from public procurement process - Kyne

Fine Gael TD for Galway West, Sean Kyne, has welcomed the renewed commitment by the Government to ensure SMEs benefit from opportunities presented by the public sector procurement process. Deputy Kyne was speaking after a Dáil debate this week in which he questioned the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Brendan Howlin TD, on the new office of public procurement and the measures being taken to ensure Irish SMEs can maximise opportunities to win public contracts.

Independent firearms licensing authority needed - Deering

Fine Gael Carlow TD, Pat Deering, has called for the establishment of an independent firearms licensing authority to ensure greater safety in the purchase of guns. He recently submitted a Parliamentary Question on the matter to Minister for Justice, Frances Fitzgerald TD.

IASS Dispute – Statement by the Expert Panel

On 16 June 2014 the Expert Panel presented their final report on the resolution of the industrial relations issues in The Irish Aviation Superannuation Scheme (“The IASS”) dispute to the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport, the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Employment, Ibec and Congress.

Fine Gael withdraws from Dublin City Council negotiations

The Fine Gael group has today (Friday) withdrawn from negotiations over the formation of a ruling coalition for Dublin City Council.

Cemeteries regulator needed to ensure the bereaved aren’t ripped off – Doherty

Fine Gael Meath East TD, Regina Doherty, has today (Friday) supported the call for the establishment of a cemeteries regulator, saying it is necessary to ensure the bereaved are not paying over the odds to bury their deceased loved ones. Deputy Doherty was speaking during the Dáil debate on the Cemetery Management Bill 2013.

The need for an independent investigation into the mass grave next to a home for unmarried mothers and babies in Tuam, Co. Galway where up to 800 children were reportedly buried between 1925 and 1961

Protocol on the way to deal with major emergencies in schools

Minister for Education commits to emergency protocol for schools following questioning by Patrick O’Donovan TD

Buttimer welcomes appointment of expert group and encourages public to give view on medical cards

Fine Gael Cork South Central TD and Chairman of the Oireachtas Health Committee, Jerry Buttimer, has this evening (Thursday) welcomed the announcement from the HSE that the expert panel has been appointed to examine how medical need should be taken into account when discretionary medical cards are being granted.

Parliamentary Question addressed to the Minister for Foreign Affairs

To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade on the 20th anniversary of International Conference on Population and Development, his view on the current status of the action programme; his plans to ensure its approach is reflected in the post 2015 framework; and if he will make a statement on the matter?