Irish Seafood Exports Increase by Over 20% in 2012.

Deputy Áine Collins yesterday asked the Minister for Social Protection to conduct a cost-benefit analysis before introducing a new tender process which would see social welfare cash payments being changed. Deputy Collins expressed concern regarding the changes in the payments process saying that they would “have a devastating effect on post offices and rural communities”. Speaking in the Dáil she said “We need to open a discussion on what type of society we want. Anyone who tried to shout "Stop" about the property bubble was ignored or ridiculed. We must not make the same mistake now and not shout "Stop" about changes that have the potential to rip the heart out of communities throughout the country.

This week the Houses of the Oireachtas dealt with three key pieces of legislation that are fundamental to the modernisation and reform of the courts and legal services.

Arts Minister Jimmy Deenihan today signed an order of consent for works at the Moore Street National Monument.