Hildegarde Naughton, TD

Fine Gael Limerick TD, Patrick O’Donovan, has today (Thursday) called for penalties to be enforced for the misuse of the Leader’s Allowance. Deputy O’Donovan welcomed the fact that Independent TDs and Senators who receive the Leader’s Allowance will be subject to scrutiny by the Standards in Public Office Commission (SIPO).

Fine Gael Chairman and Laois/Offaly TD, Charlie Flanagan, has today (Thursday) said that stud farms and racehorse training facilities should be designated as ‘noise sensitive properties’ when planning applications are being considered for wind farm developments.

Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport Leo Varadkar has announced details of the €332.9 million investment programme for 2014 for regional and local roads.

Dublin Senator, Catherine Noone, has today (Thursday) voiced her concerns about the continuing practice in Dublin takeaways of mislabelling fish as cod, when it is another fish altogether. Senator Noone was speaking after a survey showed that 41% of fish labelled cod was another species.

Fine Gael Dublin South Central TD, Catherine Byrne, has today (Wednesday) welcomed the comments by the Minister for Justice, Alan Shatter TD, about his intention to give gay couples equal parenting rights.

Fine Gael Kerry Senator and Seanad Chief Whip, Paul Coghlan, has today (Wednesday) again appealed for union members at the Liebherr plant in Killarney to pull back from the brink. Senator Coghlan added that only fruitful dialogue can satisfactorily resolve the situation.

Fine Gael Wicklow TD and member of the Public Accounts Committee, Simon Harris, has today (Wednesday) said that figures received by him from the HSE, detailing the level of taxpayers’ money being paid to Section 38 and Section 39 organisations, underline the need for transparency.

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.

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.