I thank the Government for introducing this Bill. Regardless of the outcome of the inquiries referendum in 2011, and judging by the number of Deputies who have spoken on this matter in recent days, I believe there is a strong public and political appetite for the proposed powers to be enshrined in legislation so as to ensure public representatives in the Houses can hold to account those who spend public money and who are involved in governance.

Bannon Welcomes Support for Local Children's Arts Festival

I too am pro-European. The European Union is good for us as European citizens. With the protections and benefits it offers us, we are all better off as workers, travellers, women and students. There is almost no area of life that has not benefited from or been enhanced by the rights and privileges that have flown to us from Europe over the years. That is not to mention the improvement in our infrastructure owing to EU funding and the funds that still flow to us to allow banks to open every morning.

To ask the Minister for Health in view of the recent breakthrough in stem cell research, when legislation can be expected governing stem cells, in view of the fact that the current lack of legislation may put patients at unnecessary risk and expense, deters investment and expertise and causes confusion among the public about stem cells; and if he will make a statement on the matter?

Fine Gael TD for Meath East, Regina Doherty, has today (Wednesday) welcomed the announcement by the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Phil Hogan TD, that it has revised the allocation to the Local Development Company (LDC) in Meath under the LEADER elements of the Rural Development Programme (RDP) 2007-2013. The €15 million allocated to Meath is part of a total pot of the remaining €70 million being released to LDCs around the country.

Fine Gael TD for Wicklow, Andrew Doyle, has encouraged local residents to apply online for jobs that are available as a result of the N11 upgrade. News of the local recruitment of staff for the project follows on from the deal signed last month by BAM Construction and the Government to get the work underway in the coming weeks.

Fine Gael TD for Roscommon/South Leitrim, Frank Feighan, has welcomed the total allocation of €22.5 million in LEADER funding to Roscommon and Leitrim. The €22.5 million is part of a total pot of the remaining €70 million being released to Local Development Companies (LDCs) around the country.

Frances Fitzgerald TD, Minister for Children & Youth Affairs has today outlined her commitment and agenda for improving quality in pre-school services.

Dr. James Reilly, T.D. Minister for Health and Mr. Alex White T.D., Minister of State with responsibility for Primary Care in the Department of Health, today (22 May 2013) welcomed the passing of the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Bill 2012 through both Houses of the Oireachtas.