Fine Gael Limerick TD, Patrick O’Donovan, has today (Wednesday) said that the revelations surrounding extremely low profit margins at Rehab Lotteries warrant further scrutiny. Deputy O’Donovan made his comments in the aftermath of a contribution by the Minister for Justice, Alan Shatter TD, to a Dáil debate on charities last night.

We are all concerned at recent disclosures regarding certain charitable organisations. We are all concerned at the impact these disclosures are having on Ireland’s charities, many of which are excellently run and have nothing to fear from increased transparency and accountability. The Charities Act of 2009 provides for a system of regulation of charities in Ireland at the heart of which is the creation and support of strong trust and confidence in our charities. On the part of Government, we plan to support this through the phased introduction of the Charities Act.

Fine Gael Waterford TD, Paudie Coffey, has today (Wednesday) said he is very pleased that the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Phil Hogan TD, has accepted legislation put forward by Deputy Coffey which will prevent businesses from being forced to pay rates arrears when they have taken over new premises.

To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the extent to which children with special needs continue to receive an adequate degree of services...

To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the extent to which his Department has monitored incidents of bullying amongst children or teenagers...

To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the extent to which children with special needs continue to receive an adequate degree of services...

To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the extent to which his Department has monitored incidents of bullying amongst children or teenagers...

To ask the Minister for Education and Skills in the context of meeting the requirements as set out by the school authorities at Maynooth Post Primary School, County Kildare...

I am delighted to have been invited to speak at Marriage Equality’s LGBT Parenting in Ireland conference. I would like to congratulate Marriage Equality on today’s event and on its multi- faceted campaign to highlight the situation and needs of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender families. Marriage Equality has consistently expanded our knowledge of the experiences of LGBT parents. What is more, it has put a useful spotlight on the experiences and wishes of their children.

Fine Gael Clare TD and Chairman of the Oireachtas Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade, Pat Breen, has today (Tuesday) welcomed the re-opening of an Irish embassy to the Holy See. The move has been announced as part of the establishment of a number of new embassies and consulates to support trade and aid.