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Remarks by Ms. Frances Fitzgerald, Minister for Justice and Equality, on the occasion of the United Nations Day in Support of Victims of Torture

Good morning ladies and gentlemen. I am very pleased to be here with you today for the United Nations Day in Support of Victims of Torture and I was very happy to accept the invitation to this event from the Director of SPIRASI, Mr. Greg Straton. I think it’s important that, at a national level, we mark this day and I thank SPIRASI for organising today’s events.

Supplementary health budget was €595 million in FF’s last year in Government – Doherty

Fine Gael Meath East TD and member of the Oireachtas Health Committee, Regina Doherty, has today (Thursday) reminded Fianna Fáil that the supplementary budget for Health was €595 million during the Party’s last year in Government. Her comments come after Micheál Martin criticised the Government over the challenges facing the health budget for this year.

Varadkar calls for Sea Change in attitudes to maritime safety

Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport Leo Varadkar has called for a sea change in attitudes to maritime safety, as he launched a new consultation process on maritime safety: Sea Change – Building a new Maritime Safety Culture.

Enforcement will be essential for sunbed ban to work – Byrne

Fine Gael Dublin South Central TD, Catherine Byrne, has said that strict enforcement will be essential if the new ban on sunbed use for under 18s is to be a success. Deputy Byrne has strongly welcomed the ban, which she said would help protect teenagers from the dangers of tanning radiation.

Minister Varadkar publishes Annual Report 2013

Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport Leo Varadkar has published his Department’s Annual Report for 2013, which outlines key milestones achieved by the Department last year.

Pre- European Council statement (26 – 27 June) by the Minister for European Affairs, Paschal Donohoe TD Dáil Éireann, 25 June 2014

It is always important that we have this exchange prior to a European Council. As the Taoiseach outlined, this Council is perhaps even more important than usual as it concerns the leadership of the Commission for the next five years. Even more important still, it is about setting the strategic priorities for that new leadership’s term in office.

Statement by Ministers Frances Fitzgerald & Leo Varadkar

Minister for Justice & Equality Frances Fitzgerald and Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport Leo Varadkar held a constructive meeting with the PARC road safety group today to discuss a range of legislative and administrative issues in the broad area of road safety.

Teaching internet safety in primary schools will help combat cyber bullying – Mitchell O’Connor

Fine Gael Dun Laoghaire TD, Mary Mitchell O’Connor TD, has today (Wednesday) welcomed a number of key recommendations in the Report of the Internet Content Governance Advisory (ICGA) which sets out what steps the Government can take to help address cyber bullying and deal with the range of issues posed by social media and our ever growing presence online.

Update from Minister Flanagan re Mother and Baby Home Commission of Investigation

Breen to meet new Ambassador to discuss worsening situation in Iraq

Fine Gael Clare TD and Chairman of the Oireachtas Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade, Pat Breen, will tomorrow (Wednesday) meet with the new Iraqi Ambassador to Ireland, Faik Nerweyi. Deputy Breen has said that the meeting will allow the new Ambassador to provide an up to date account of the worsening humanitarian situation in Iraq.

Martin’s credibility problems won’t be solved by expelling Crowley – Harris

Fine Gael Wicklow TD, Simon Harris, has today (Tuesday) said that Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin’s credibility problems won’t be solved by expelling Brian Crowley, and added that the Party’s position on Europe has been seriously undermined.

Minister Fitzgerald announces Government approval for legislation to provide for women who worked in Magdalen Laundries