Fine Gael Kerry Senator and Seanad Chief Whip, Paul Coghlan, has today (Tuesday) commended the Government on the progress it has made since taking Office three years ago. Speaking during Order of Business in the Seanad, Senator Coghlan paid particular tribute to the Minister for Finance, Michael Noonan TD, and his role in bringing about our economic recovery.

Fine Gael Chairman and Laois/Offaly TD, Charlie Flanagan, has this evening (Tuesday) said that the Government must push ahead with its programme of political reform. Deputy Flanagan was speaking during a Dáil debate on Government priorities for the year ahead.

Government, Education and Industry working together to make Ireland the most attractive location in the world for ICT talent Ministers Quinn and Bruton launch the ICT Skills Action Plan The Government today (Friday) published its plan to fill 44,500 jobs for ICT professionals over the years to 2018.

Minister for European Affairs, Paschal Donohoe, will travel to Belgium on Sunday morning to promote trade, tourism and investment links between Ireland and Belgium as part of the Government’s St. Patrick’s Day programme.

Frances Fitzgerald T.D. Minister of Children and Youth Affairs visited Seoul, South Korea, from 12-15 March 2014 to mark St. Patrick’s Day.

Fine Gael Dun Laoghaire TD, Mary Mitchell O’Connor, has today (Tuesday) given her support to the National Women’s Council of Ireland’s (NWCI) campaign for a female friendly parliament. The campaign includes a number of proposals which could encourage more women to view politics as a viable career option.

Three years ago, the Tánaiste and I formed a Government of Fine Gael and Labour with one overriding objective: to get Ireland working again.

Fine Gael Wicklow TD and member of the Public Accounts Committee, Simon Harris, has today (Tuesday) said that steady progress is being made on ensuring that all Section 38 organisations are in compliance with public pay policy. Deputy Harris was speaking after he received an update on the matter from the Minister for Health, Dr James Reilly TD.

To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if he is satisfied that basic human rights are being observed in all centres for asylum seekers; and if he will make a statement on the matter?

To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if there have been improvements in the waiting time for asylum processing for applicants in direct provision; and if he will make a statement on the matter?