The Taoiseach, will today, Friday, attend the seventeenth plenary meeting of the North South Ministerial Council (NSMC) in the NSMC Headquarters in Armagh

Fine Gael Waterford Deputy, Paudie Coffey, has today (Thursday) welcomed the announcement by the Minister for Education, Ruairí Quinn TD, of almost €70 million which is to be made available as part of the Minor Works Grant Scheme and the Summer Works Scheme.

Fine Gael Cork South West Deputy, Jim Daly, has welcomed the reintroduction of a number of school improvement schemes which will see schools in Cork receiving funding for minor works and bigger building projects which include roof and window upgrades, electrical works and structural improvements.

Fine Gael Meath East TD, Regina Doherty, has today (Thursday) urged Meath sports clubs and organisations to register their interest on the new online system for Sports Capital Funding.

The Minister for Justice, Equality and Defence, Alan Shatter TD, today announced that the Government has agreed the details on how to implement the recommendations of Judge Quirke for an ex-gratia scheme for the benefit of those who were admitted to and worked in the Magdalen laundries, St Mary’s Training Centre, Stanhope Street and House of Mercy Training School, Summerhill, Wexford.

The report reflects the Council’s belief that the journey to find a way through Ireland’s banking, fiscal, economic, social and reputational crises, has highlighted the fact that strategies and policies can only be provisional starting points.

Fine Gael Dublin Mid West Deputy, Derek Keating, has this morning (Thursday) congratulated Dublin and Lucan Sarsfield player, Peter Kelly, on his receipt of a GAA All Star award last night.

I warmly welcome the official confirmation that President Higgins will pay an official visit to the United Kingdom.

Ireland has successfully concluded the 12th and final review mission of the Programme with the EU Commission, the ECB and the IMF.