Alan Shatter TD, Minister for Justice, Equality and Defence, today published the General Scheme of a Children and Family Relationships Bill.

Fine Gael Limerick TD, Patrick O’Donovan, has today (Thursday) strongly criticised members of the Opposition for failing to be present in the Dáil chamber earlier for four stages of the European Parliament Elections Amendment Bill.

Speaking at an address at the University of Sarajevo in Bosnia this evening (Thursday), Minister for European Affairs, Paschal Donohoe TD, said that in order for advances to be made towards membership of the European Union for Bosnia and Herzegovina a credible effort would have to be made by political leaders on all sides (see full speech below).

Fine Gael Cork South West TD, Jim Daly, has received confirmation from the Minister for Education, Ruairí Quinn TD, that he has agreed to have ‘Politics and Society’ taught as a subject at Leaving Certificate level.

I wish to thank the Senator for raising this matter on the adjournment today. I am speaking on behalf of the Minister for Justice, Equality and Defence who regrets that he is unable to be present due to other business.

Taoiseach Enda Kenny today apologised to abuse survivor Louise O’Keeffe.

This afternoon the Taoiseach, Enda Kenny T.D. met with a number of the families of the 11 people killed in Ballymurphy over a three day period in August 1971.

Frances Fitzgerald TD, Minister for Children and Youth Affairs today welcomes the publication of the General Scheme of the Children and Family Relationships Bill.