The Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Mr. Charlie Flanagan, T.D., spoke earlier today with the Israeli Ambassador to Ireland, Mr. Boaz Modai, in order to condemn yesterday’s attack on a UN- run school in Gaza and reiterate the very grave concerns of the Irish Government and people at the current situation in Gaza and Israel.

Fine Gael Dublin Senator, Catherine Noone, has said that the Government must push ahead with plain packaging for cigarettes and stand up to lobbying from the well funded tobacco industry.

Fine Gael Cavan/Monaghan TD, Sean Conlan has welcomed the announcement by the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, James Reilly TD, that €15,000 has been allocated to play and recreation projects in Monaghan.

Chief Justice, members of the Judiciary, members of the Board, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen; I am pleased to be here today to accept the Courts Service Annual Report for 2013.

Fine Gael Dublin Senator, Catherine Noone, has welcomed the introduction of budget school uniform ranges in a number of supermarkets in an attempt to ease the financial burden on parents at back to school time.

Fine Gael TD for Louth, Peter Fitzpatrick TD has, today (Thursday), called for a greater focus on healthy living in Louth following an Irish Examiner article in which Louth is listed as one of the worst counties for obesity.

Fine Gael TD for Kildare North, Anthony Lawlor, has said we need accountability in any investigation of the senseless slaughter of innocent civilians in the Gaza conflict. Over the last 16 days almost 700 Palestinians, mostly civilians; and 34 Israelis, the majority of which were soldiers, have been killed. Thousands more have been injured and displaced from their homes during this time.

Fine Gael Waterford Senator and the Party’s Leader in the Seanad Maurice Cummins, has announced that proposals to develop the role of the Seanad within the existing constitutional framework are planned for October next.