Speaking following his tour this week of some of our universities and primary schools engaged in the Blue Star Programme, Minister for European Affairs, Paschal Donohoe TD, said the level of engagement from students was both inspiring and encouraging for the future.

The Minister for Justice, Equality and Defence, Alan Shatter TD, today announced some targeted changes in the Start-up Entrepreneur Programme (STEP) operated by his Department. The changes, which were agreed by the Government, followed a review of the operation of the STEP and are intended to refine the programme and improve its appeal to potential migrant entrepreneurs.

Minister for Justice, Equality and Defence Alan Shatter TD welcomed the EU Commission’s proposals for a three-stage Rule of Law Framework which were published on Tuesday (11 March 2014).

More landmark buildings in Dublin and across Ireland will be turning green this year to mark St Patrick’s Day including the GPO, the Rock of Cashel, Trim Castle, Heuston Station and the National Gallery, Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport Leo Varadkar and Minister of State with special responsibility for the Office of Public Works Brian Hayes have confirmed.

Fine Gael TD for Wicklow-East Carlow and Candidate for Ireland South, Simon Harris, has today (Thursday) welcomed a new youth advocacy project ahead of the European Elections. European Movement Ireland and a number of partners are bringing together a group of 18 to 25 year olds as part of the 32-county initiative.

The Football Association of Ireland today (March 3) announced the start of work on the first phase of its National Training Centre on the National Sports Campus with a sod turning ceremony involving Minister Leo Varadkar TD, Minister Joan Burton TD, FAI CEO John Delaney, DDSL Chairman of the Board of Directors, Brendan Bermingham, DDSL Chairman, Paddy Dempsey, Chairman of the NSCDA Sean Benton, CEO of the Irish Sports Council John Treacy and Republic of Ireland management team, Martin O’Neill and Roy Keane.

To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the actions that could now be taken to provide a permanent school (details supplied) as the preferred site has been refused planning permission for the second time; and if he will make a statement on the matter?

Fine Gael Clare Senator, Martin Conway, has today (Wednesday) welcomed the announcement from the Office of Public Works (OPW) that €8.27 million has been allocated to improve flood defences in Clare. Senator Conway added that two EU studies published recently by the European Commission further underline the importance of investing in flood protection.

The Cabinet today agreed to the proposal of the Minister for Justice, Equality and Defence that he appoint Retired District Court Judge Mr Patrick McMahon to the position of Confidential Recipient under Regulation 6 of the Garda Síochána (Confidential Reporting of Malpractice) Regulations 2007.

In response to an approach by members of the Syrian community in Ireland and in light of the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Syria the Minister for Justice, Equality and Defence, Alan Shatter, TD today announced that he is putting in place an immigration based humanitarian admission programme with a view to providing some further assistance to vulnerable persons affected by the conflict in the region.