Latest News

Government decision in relation to Ministers of State

The Government decision in relation to Ministers of State is as follows: Fine Gael Ministers of State

Hayes welcomes election of Juncker

Brian Hayes, Fine Gael MEP for Dublin, has welcomed today’s election of Jean-Claude Juncker as the new President of the European Commission.

We could prevent four out of every five cases of blindness - Conway

Fine Gael Clare Senator and Seanad Spokesperson on Disability and Equality, Martin Conway, has called on his fellow Senators to support the Fine Gael Private Members Motion that is due to be debated in the Seanad tomorrow (Wednesday), which calls for the establishment of a national vision strategy.

Brooks debacle proves it’s time to review the licencing laws for concerts – Buttimer

Fine Gael Cork South Central TD, Jerry Buttimer, has today (Friday) said the debacle surrounding the Garth Brooks concerts at Croke Park is proof that we need to review the licencing system for concerts and outdoor events, to ensure tickets cannot be sold until a licence is granted.

Henry welcomes €57,000 in Government funding for new MS therapy centre in Sligo

Hogan Establishes the National Oversight and Audit Commission

The establishment of the NOAC is part of the reform process legislated for by the Local Government Reform Act 2014 and is a very significant development in public accountability, bringing an added dimension of independent scrutiny to local government performance.

Hogan Publishes the Final Report of the Review of the Producer Responsibilty Initiative Model in Ireland

Mr. Phil Hogan, T.D., Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, today (4th July 2014) announced the publication of the final report of the review of the Producer Responsibility Initiative (PRI) model in Ireland. (appendices).

Minister Frances Fitzgerald publishes the Court of Appeal Bill 2014

Welcoming the Bill’s publication, the Minister stated: “This Bill delivers on the commitment in the Programme for Government to establish a Court of Appeal and is a timely response to the decision taken by the people last October when they approved the proposal to amend the Constitution to make provision for the establishment of the new Court.”

Mulherin welcomes increased taxation from petroleum exploration

Fine Gael Deputy for Mayo and Chair of the Fine Gael Internal Committee for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Michelle Mulherin, has today (Thursday) welcomed the new taxation system for the revision upwards of the taxation of future petroleum and gas exploration and production in the State and its territorial waters announced by Minister Pat Rabbitte. The new system will provide for an increased financial return to the State from discoveries made under future exploration licences and licensing options.

New Court of Appeal will ease the burden on our justice system – Stanton

Fine Gael Cork East TD, and Chair of the Oireachtas Justice Committee David Stanton, has welcomed today’s publication of the Court of Appeal Bill 2014 by Minister for Justice, Frances Fitzgerald TD.

Opening remarks by Ms Frances Fitzgerald TD, Minister for Justice and Equality: Ireland’s appearance before the UN Human Rights Committee on International Convention on Civil and Political Rights

Thank you Chairperson. I would like to thank you for your words of welcome and Ambassador Patricia O Brien who is our Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva, for her words of introduction. I very much welcome the opportunity to be here.

Speech by Frances Fitzgerald TD, Minister for Justice and Equality 4th July 2014 Citizenship Ceremony Convention Centre, Dublin

Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls. I want to begin by welcoming you – one and all – to this great day which marks a major milestone in your lives. I want to specially welcome all of those of you immediately in front of me who will shortly become Ireland’s newest citizens.