To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the current position in Southern Sudan...

To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which he and his Department continue to strengthen existing trade and forge new markets throughout the European Union and globally...

To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which he and his colleagues at EU and UN level continue to endeavour to support efforts to restart the peace process in the Middle East...

To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which the situation in the Western Balkans continues to be monitored by the EU...

Fine Gael Cork South Central TD, Jerry Buttimer, has today (Friday) said the debacle surrounding the Garth Brooks concerts at Croke Park is proof that we need to review the licencing system for concerts and outdoor events, to ensure tickets cannot be sold until a licence is granted.

The establishment of the NOAC is part of the reform process legislated for by the Local Government Reform Act 2014 and is a very significant development in public accountability, bringing an added dimension of independent scrutiny to local government performance.

Mr. Phil Hogan, T.D., Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, today (4th July 2014) announced the publication of the final report of the review of the Producer Responsibility Initiative (PRI) model in Ireland. (appendices).

Welcoming the Bill’s publication, the Minister stated: “This Bill delivers on the commitment in the Programme for Government to establish a Court of Appeal and is a timely response to the decision taken by the people last October when they approved the proposal to amend the Constitution to make provision for the establishment of the new Court.”

Fine Gael Deputy for Mayo and Chair of the Fine Gael Internal Committee for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Michelle Mulherin, has today (Thursday) welcomed the new taxation system for the revision upwards of the taxation of future petroleum and gas exploration and production in the State and its territorial waters announced by Minister Pat Rabbitte. The new system will provide for an increased financial return to the State from discoveries made under future exploration licences and licensing options.