A cultural transformation is needed in the employment sector to meet the rising demand for work-from-home roles, a Fine Gael Senator has said.

Peter Burke, Minister of State for Planning and Local Government has urged all those who need assistance with grocery shopping, prescriptions or general supplies, to call the Community Call number, which is 1800 805 816 in Westmeath and 1800 300 122 in Longford.

Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, today (Monday, January 16th ) announced almost €3.2 million in funding for 173 projects under the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme.

The Minister of State for Overseas Development Aid and Diaspora, Mr. Colm Brophy, T.D., today launched Samaritans Freephone helpline for the Irish diaspora in Canada and Australia.

The online portal – gov.ie/therightcourse - is a one stop shop for businesses, employees or unemployed persons and outlines the third level options available to them.

The HSE should consider widespread dispensing of Vitamin D supplements to people free of charge, a Fine Gael TD has said.

Fine Gael’s Executive Council has nominated Maria Byrne as the party’s candidate to contest the forthcoming Seanad Agricultural Panel bye-election.

Fines for repeat offenders should be considered to address the backlog of driving tests before they resume for the general public after Level 5, a Fine Gael TD has said.

The publication of the Remote Work Strategy has laid the foundation for a more progressive, employee-centred workforce and community-focused society, a Fine Gael Senator has said.

The Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Leo Varadkar, TD, today (Friday the 15th of January) published Ireland’s first National Remote Work Strategy to make remote working a permanent option for life after the pandemic.