Regina Doherty, MEP

Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government, Simon Coveney, T.D., signed Orders today designating 23 towns and all of Galway city as *Rent Pressure Zones. Dublin and Cork City were designated as Rent Pressure Zones before Christmas. The Orders take effect tomorrow, 27 January 2017.

Fine Gael Dublin Rathdown Senator and Government spokesman on EU Affairs in the Seanad, Neale Richmond, today (Thursday) welcomed reports by Bloomberg that Barclays Bank is to hire 150 staff in their Dublin offices, saying this must be just the beginning in terms of attracting jobs to Ireland in order to offset the overall negatives of Brexit.

Fine Gael Senator and Seanad Spokesperson on EU Affairs, Neale Richmond, has once again urged Minister for Health, Simon Harris, to fight to bring the European Medicines Agency (EMA) to Ireland from London ahead of Brexit.

Fine Gael Senator Colm Burke, has said that Sinn Féin should take its seats in the UK House of Commons in the wake of today’s decision of the UK Supreme Court, confirming the right of the British Parliament to control the Brexit process.

Fine Gael Dublin Senator, Catherine Noone, has said today (Thursday) that politicians should do their part to help raise awareness among the general public during European Cervical Cancer Prevention Week. Speaking in Seanad Éireann today, Senator Noone called on politicians to play a role in raising awareness of this important women's issue.

Fine Gael TD for Dublin Rathdown, Josepha Madigan has expressed deep concern over a proposal to charge apartment owners up to €30 million at Beacon South Quarter in Sandyford, due to poor planning at the time of construction.

Fine Gael Senator for Clare and Seanad Spokesperson on Justice, Martin Conway, has today (Monday) warmly welcomed the launch by Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality, Frances Fitzgerald, of the New Code of Ethics for An Garda Síochána.

“It is wonderful to see the continued success of the Ireland Fund here in Britain, and to recognise the invaluable work that you have been doing for many years in supporting our Irish community and Irish organisations here in Britain”. “Ireland greatly values our dynamic diaspora, whose energy, expertise and experience has done much to build Ireland’s reach and reputation in the world. It has built strong, familial connections across the globe, not least with our nearest neighbour. In today’s world, where change and uncertainty appear to be the order of the day, our commitment to the Irish abroad remains steadfast.”

“Fáiltim roimh an fógra maidin inniú ón Aire Stáit do Ghnóthaí Gaeltachta agus Acmhainní Nádúrtha, Seán Kyne TD, go bhfuil deontas suas le €4,800 ceadaithe aige do Áislann Chill Chartha, chun cur ar a gcumas an díon a dheisiú. “This busy committee are carrying out important work on behalf of the community of Kilcar, and with regards the Irish language also. I’m delighted that this funding has been made available and I believe this grant will help them in continuing with the important work they carry out in attending to the Kilcar community.”