Next week’s meeting of the European Council was originally scheduled to be the first of 2014. However, as you are aware, an extraordinary meeting of EU Heads of State and Government was called in Brussels last week to discuss the deeply worrying situation in Ukraine.

Fine Gael Cork South Central TD and Chair of Fine Gael’s LGBT Group, Jerry Buttimer, has today (Saturday) welcomed the passage of a motion at the Fine Gael Ard Fheis in support of marriage equality.

Fine Gael TD and Minister of State for Education and Skills, Ciaran Cannon TD, will tomorrow (Sunday) represent the Government at the St Pat’s for All parade in New York city. The annual event, which includes LGBT groups, community groups, children's bands, Irish organisations and religious and civic groups, celebrates the Irish community in New York.

The Deputy’s Bill is, in part, a response to the Roscommon child care case. An Inquiry Team chaired by Ms. Norah Gibbons presented a report into that case to the HSE in October, 2010. I am conscious that the preface of the report referred to the wave of publicity and comment that followed the sentencing of the mother and father in 2009 and 2010, respectively for physical abuse, sexual abuse and neglect.

Fine Gael Kildare South TD, Martin Heydon, has today (Saturday) highlighted the potential of a return to sugar beet production in Ireland. Speaking at the Fine Gael Ard Fheis at the RDS, he called on the Government to support the ongoing efforts to re-establish the industry.

The Minister for Justice, Equality and Defence, Mr Alan Shatter TD, today published the Joint Probation Service and Irish Prison Service Women’s Strategy 2014 - 2016 entitled “An Effective Response to Women Who Offend”. This joint strategy sets out how the two agencies will provide tailored interventions for women with the aim to reduce offending among women and improve outcomes.

Ministers, colleagues, delegates, ladies and gentlemen, Good morning and welcome to the 77th Fine Gael Ard Fheis. I am very pleased to welcome you to this important discussion on our plan for jobs and growth. Nothing is more important for our country at this time.

Director of the Probation Service - Vivian Geiran, Director General of the Irish Prison Service - Michael Donnellan, CEO of Depaul Ireland - Kerry Anthony, Chairman of Tus Nua - Ray McGovern and invited guests.

Mayor Cummins, ladies and gentlemen, thank you for those warm words of welcome. I am delighted to be here in Waterford on this special day for all those of you who will be granted Irish citizenship. It is a very important day in the story of your life and it is also an important day for Ireland, as the host nation bestowing this honour on you.