News & Statements

Petitions system allows for direct democracy

Laois Offaly T.D. Charlie Flanagan has said the new parliamentary petitions system will allow for direct democracy and ensure that citizens have an opportunity to influence the parliamentary agenda. Deputy Flanagan was speaking after the petitions system was launched by a cross party group of TD's and Senators in Dublin last Thursday.

Flanagan welcomes advance on Single Farm Payment

Laois Offaly TD Charlie Flanagan has welcomed confirmation from the Minister for Agriculture, Simon Coveney, that he is seeking a 50% advance on Single Farm Payments for farmers in October, in light of the impact of the recent inclement weather on farm incomes.

Mixed feelings over Constituency Commission changes

Fine Gael Party Chairman Charlie Flanagan has admitted to having mixed feelings over the recent decision by the Constituency Commission to recommend splitting up Laois and Offaly for the first time in the history of the State. Deputy Flanagan was speaking after the publication of the Constituency Commission report which will see Laois and Offaly becoming two three seater constituencies.

Flanagan perturbed at plans to means test capital assets of farmers

Fine Gael Party Chairman Charlie Flanagan has said he is perturbed at reports suggesting that capital assets are to be taken into consideration for the assessment of income for third level students. Deputy Flanagan raised the matter in the Dail on Wednesday with the Minister of State at Department of Education, Sean Sherlock.

Flanagan calls on Minister to reopen AEOS Scheme

Laois Offaly TD Charlie Flanagan has called on Minister Coveney to reopen the Agri-Environmental Options Scheme. Deputy Flanagan met with the Minister last week and impressed upon him the importance of reopening a targeted scheme so that financial recognition is provided for farmers who are restricted in what they can do in obtaining a commercial return from their farm.

Flanagan hails new schools for Laois/Offaly

Laois Offaly T.D. Charlie Flanagan has welcomed the announcement by Minister Ruairi Quinn of the 5 year school building programme which will see a number of towns around the constituency receive new school buildings and extensions. The overall building plan will see €1.5bn of investment spent on school buildings between 2012 and 2016.