Speaking at the Joint Committee on European Affairs this afternoon (Tuesday), Minister for European Affairs, Paschal Donohoe TD, said that the Government’s National Reform Programme, which was being discussed, will ensure that the progress that has been made in the last number of years is not lost and that Ireland remains on the right path in the years ahead.

3 years ago the Irish people voted for Change. Change in the way we run our economy. Change akin the way we manage our finances. Change in our health system.

I am delighted to be back with you for this year’s Transport Ireland Conference. I’d like to thank the organisers and the other speakers for facilitating me by changing the running order this morning. I was answering Parliamentary Questions in the Dáil earlier and couldn’t be here for the opening slot.

Fine Gael Cork South Central TD, Jerry Buttimer, has today (Wednesday) said that Micheál Martin’s response to the Travers Report into nursing home charges when he was Minister for Health in 2005 illustrates the Fianna Fáil leader’s hypocrisy in his criticism of Alan Shatter and the current Government.

Fine Gael Meath West TD and Chair of the Oireachtas Jobs Committee, Damien English, had today (Wednesday) welcomed the latest Live Register figures, but warned that we must heed this week’s warnings from the Competitiveness Council if we are to continue to reduce our unemployment rate.

Fine Gael Meath East TD and member of the Oireachtas Health Committee, Regina Doherty, has today (Wednesday) said Fianna Fail's attacks on the Government's White Paper on Universal Health Insurance (UHI) exposes the Party’s complete lack of a policy on health.

To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the amount of the annual payment to Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council from Irish Water as determined in the service level agreement between them; and if he will make a statement on the matter?

Fine Gael TD for Roscommon/South Leitrim, Frank Feighan, has welcomed the news that a stand-alone specialist 20-bed Rehab Unit planned for Roscommon Hospital has been given approval to progress to the design phase. Deputy Feighan said the news is formal confirmation that this major capital development will be built on the grounds of the hospital.

Fine Gael TD for Roscommon/South Leitrim, Frank Feighan, has welcomed the news that a stand-alone specialist 20-bed Rehab Unit planned for Roscommon Hospital has been given approval to progress to the design phase. Deputy Feighan said the news is formal confirmation that this major capital development will be built on the grounds of the hospital.

Fine Gael Dublin Central Deputy and Minister for European Affairs, Paschal Donohoe TD, has welcomed the reduction in the number of cases of MRSA at the Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, which fell by 81% last year.