Kieran O'Donnell, TD

Fine Gael Cork South Central Deputy, Jerry Buttimer, has said the announcement of 400 new jobs to be created at the Abtran facility in Bishopstown, for Irish Water, will be a shot in the arm for the local area, which has struggled under the weight of high unemployment in recent years. This news comes on the back of figures released this morning by the CSO which show that the unemployment rate has fallen to below 14% to 13.7% for the first time since Aug 2010, demonstrating that the Government’s plan to get people back to work is starting to pay off.

Fine Gael Meath East TD, Regina Doherty, has today (Thursday) encouraged community groups in Meath to apply for funding under the Caring Communities initiative, which is run by the Community Foundation for Ireland.

Fine Gael Waterford Deputy Paudie Coffey has said that further progress has been made in delivering a technological university for the South East Region. Deputy Coffey has said the process for creating technological universities has been on-going since this government came to office; the Minister has now instructed the Higher Education Authority (HEA) to start implementing a plan that will see WIT and Carlow IT (CIT) progress to becoming a technological university for the South East region.

Government to “competitiveness-proof” all Cabinet decisions as part of drive to improve ease of doing business and ultimately create jobs.

Minister asks HSE to conduct an analysis of inspection reports carried out to date on commercial childcare chains.

Fine Gael Waterford Deputy Paudie Coffey has said that further progress has been made in delivering a technological university for the South East Region. Deputy Coffey has said the process for creating technological universities has been on-going since this government came to office; the Minister has now instructed the Higher Education Authority (HEA) to start implementing a plan that will see WIT and Carlow IT (CIT) progress to becoming a technological university for the South East region.

To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if his Department will be engaging with the National Association of Principals and Deputy Principals in their attempt to request a meeting with Facebook to discuss the risks of cyberbullying; his position on this request; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he has received an official request for permission to demolish a semi-derelict building block (North Street, Swords) in County Dublin; when permission will be granted; and if he will make a statement on the matter.