Latest News

Folic acid food fortification should be mandatory - Keane

Fine Gael Senator for Dublin South-West, Cáit Keane, has today (Thursday) called on the Food Safety Authority, to introduce mandatory folic acid food fortification and to have a renewed public health campaign to promote the importance of taking folic acid pre pregnancy. The Senator made her calls in response to the findings of a new study carried out by the UCD centre for human reproduction and the HSE Eurocat Registers, which reveals that there has been a rise of 10% in neural tube defects such as spina bifida and anencephaly in babies since 2009.

Heydon questions draft NRA Service Area Policy

Fine Gael TD for Kildare South Martin Heydon, has today (Thursday) raised questions in the Dáil about the Service Area Policy of the National Roads Authority (NRA), questioning why it is taking a state led approach to the provision of online service areas, which are the service stations directly accessible from motorways.

MINISTER COVENEY SECURES €148 MILLION EU FUNDS FOR SEAFOOD INDUSTRY

Following months of intense lobbying and negotiation, Minister Coveney today secured €148 million from this fund for the period 2014 to 2020 for the development of the Irish seafood industry.

Minister Fitzgerald welcomes passing of legislation to establish new DNA Database

The Minister for Justice and Equality, Frances Fitzgerald TD, today welcomed the passing by the Oireachtas of legislation to establish a new DNA Database System.

Statement by Minister Donohoe at EU-League of Arab States meeting

Mr. Chairman, Excellencies, Ireland warmly welcomes the holding of this third Ministerial meeting between the European Union and the League of Arab States and commends Deputy Prime Minister Venizelos and the Greek Government for their very effective hosting of the event.

Buttimer welcomes HSE decision to halt discretionary medical card review

Fine Gael Cork South Central TD and Chair of the Oireachtas Health Committee, Jerry Buttimer, has today (Thursday) welcomed the HSE’s decision to halt the review of discretionary medical cards. It comes after a meeting of the Cabinet Sub Committee on Health, when the Government decided to address issues surrounding eligibility for the cards to take account of medical conditions, including new legislation if necessary.

Change of approach on medical cards is right decision – Mitchell O’Connor

Fine Gael Dun Laoghaire TD and member of the Oireachtas Health Committee, Mary Mitchell O’Connor TD, has welcomed the Government’s announcement regarding the eligibility criteria for discretionary medical cards, saying a change of approach is the right decision.

Mitchell O’Connor supports UK expert’s call for health warning on sugary drinks

Fine Gael Dun Laoghaire TD and member of the Oireachtas Health Committee, Mary Mitchell O’Connor, has today (Thursday) backed a call for prominent health warnings to be displayed on sugary drinks. The proposal has been made by one of the UK’s leading experts on public health, Professor Simon Capewell of the University of Liverpool.

Suspension of Medical Card Reviews

The Government is very aware of the public concern in relation to the issue of medical cards. The Cabinet Committee on Health met this morning and decided to develop the policy framework governing eligibility in a manner that will also take account of medical conditions.

Varadkar announces cheaper Leap fares for 16, 17 and 18 year olds

Simplified fare structure for children and teens - Child Leap Card Fares to apply from ages 4 to 18 inclusive.

Statement by Taoiseach Enda Kenny on the resignation of Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore

Strong tourism trend fuels optimism for summer season as visitor numbers rise - Varadkar

14,000 more employed in accommodation & food in last 12 months.