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Speech by Minister for European Affairs, Paschal Donohoe T.D., at the European Union Information Centre, Tirana

I am delighted to be here in Albania and to have the opportunity to address you. This forum follows a very productive set of meetings with members of the Government, including Prime Minister Rama, Ministers and members of Parliament and local government. Thank you for the hospitality we have been shown by everyone. I would like to extend special thanks to the EU Delegation and to Ambassador Sequi in particular for their support during our visit.

9th January 2014

Minister Donohoe conveys message of support to Albania on its path to EU membership

Minister for European Affairs, Paschal Donohoe, T.D., today (Thursday) said that continued progress by Albania in the ambitious and encouraging reform process it is undertaking should ensure the granting of candidate status to that country next June.

9th January 2014

Another drop in Live Register figures a good start to the New Year – English

Fine Gael Meath West TD and Chairman of the Oireachtas Jobs Committee, Damien English, has today (Wednesday) said the latest Live Register figures are a great start to the New Year on the jobs market. The figures released by the Central Statistics Office (CSO) show that the number of people on the Live Register has dropped for the 18th month in a row, and is now at its lowest level for four and a half years.

8th January 2014

Ring urges Sports clubs to register for €40M Sports Capital Fund before 7th February

Minister of State for Tourism and Sport Michael Ring has announced that the 2014 Sports Capital Programme will open for applications today, Friday at 12 noon and has urged all sports clubs and organisations to register as soon as possible to be in with a chance of accessing the €40 million in funding available.

7th January 2014

Minister Shatter to Establish Charities Regulatory Authority by Easter this year

Minister for Justice and Equality, Alan Shatter TD, will issue a call next week for Expressions of Interest from suitably qualified persons who wish to be considered for appointment to the Board of a new Charities Regulatory Authority, with a view to making appointments before Easter to allow the Authority to come into operation at that time.

7th January 2014

Minister for Finance’s statement on National Treasury Management Agency Syndicated Sale

The Minister for Finance, Michael Noonan T.D., today welcomed the successful syndicated sale by the National Treasury Management Agency (NTMA) of €3.75 billion of bonds.

7th January 2014

Fresh CRC revelations further highlight need for quality standard mark for charities - Noone

Fine Gael Dublin Senator, Catherine Noone, has today (Friday) called for the urgent introduction of a quality standard mark for charities, to help restore confidence in the sector. Speaking in response to the latest revelations concerning the Central Remedial Clinic (CRC), Senator Noone said it was clear that action must be taken to restore confidence in the charities sector.

7th January 2014

Conway urges Govt to apply for EU funding to deal with storm damage

Fine Gael Clare Senator, Martin Conway, has today (Tuesday) urged the Government to immediately apply for EU funding to help address the hardships and difficulties being experienced by people in coastal communities as a result of storm damage.

7th January 2014

School Broadband Rollout Positive Step for 2nd Level Education - Coffey

Pleased to receive confirmation from The Minister for Communications, Energy & Natural Resources, Pat Rabbitte T.D. and the Minister for Education and Skills, Ruairí Quinn T.D. announced today that every second level school in Ireland will have access to 100Mbp/s connectivity by the beginning of the 2014/2015 school year.

6th January 2014

Valuation Amendment Bill will create fairer playing field for town centres and out of town retailers – Coghlan

Fine Gael Kerry Senator and Seanad Chief Whip, Paul Coghlan, has today (Thursday) welcomed the acceptance of the Valuation (Amendment) Bill 2013 by the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Brendan Howlin TD. The Bill, which was put forward by Senator Coghlan and his colleagues Senators Maurice Cummins and Michael Comiskey, was supported unanimously by the Seanad.

6th January 2014