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Mitchell Urges Caution on Seanad Abolition

Fine Gael Dublin South TD, Olivia Mitchell, has today (Tuesday) expressed her reservations about the abolition of the Senate. Speaking in Dáil Éireann on the Thirty-second Amendment of the Constitution (Abolition of Seanad Éireann) Bill 2013 Deputy Mitchell said: "I certainly don't dispute the need for reform and I know there is a perceived need and temptation in difficult times to streamline everything, even democracy. But abolishing the Senate is fairly dramatic and far reaching.

Dáil Question on qualification exemptions for childcare workers

To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if there will be a recognition in her plans for reform of childcare and pre school care facilities for staff members who may have been working in childcare for an appropriate number of years to receive an exemption from the FETAC level five qualification; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Dáil Question on qualification exemptions for childcare workers

To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if there will be a recognition in her plans for reform of childcare and pre school care facilities for staff members who may have been working in childcare for an appropriate number of years to receive an exemption from the FETAC level five qualification; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Coffey Calls for Moratorium on Rates Revaluation Process until new Legislation is passed

Fine Gael Waterford Deputy, Paudie Coffey, has called on the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Phil Hogan TD, and the Minister for Finance, Michael Noonan TD, to introduce a moratorium on the rates revaluation process until the new valuation legislation, which is currently in the Seanad, has been appropriately debated. Deputy Coffey made the call after some businesses in Waterford were hit with rate increases of between 50-100% as a result of the valuation process.

Deputy Harris addresses European Conference in Dublin on supporting people with disabilities in employment

90 new jobs at IBS-Xerox (Ireland) a welcome sign of returning confidence – Hayes

Fine Gael Minister of State at the Department of Finance and TD for Dublin South West, Brian Hayes, has today (Monday) welcomed IBS-Xerox (Ireland)'s expansion of its operations with the creation of 90 skilled jobs.

Taoiseach’s Address to the Economic Ideas Forum, Future Steps in Strengthening the EU

We may be in the last weeks of the Irish Presidency, but as I have said many times, we will be working until the last minute of the last day to advance our agenda for stability growth and jobs.

O’Mahony pays tribute to Ireland West Airport Knock Chairman

Fine Gael TD for Mayo, John O’Mahony, has paid tribute to the outgoing chairman of Ireland West Airport Knock (IWAK), Mr Liam Scollan, who has announced that he is set to retire from his role at the airport. Deputy O’Mahony is the Chairman of the Ireland West Airport Knock Study group which is examining proposals for the future development of the airport.

Minister Fitzgerald commits to comprehensive Pre-School Quality Agenda

Frances Fitzgerald T.D., Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, has today committed to delivering a comprehensive and multi- faceted Pre-School Quality Agenda.

McEntee attends opening of Scoil Naoimh Pio extension

Fine Gael Meath East TD, Helen McEntee, last week attended the official opening of the new extension at Scoil Naoimh Pio, in Knockcommon, Beauparc, Co. Meath. The extension was officially opened by the Minister for Education, Ruairí Quinn TD.