Patrick O'Donovan, TD

When the drafters of the European treaties put them together they never contemplated that anybody would actually leave. Yet that is precisely what the United Kingdom has decided democratically to do. And we must therefore deal with the consequences of that decision.

The Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Mr. Charlie Flanagan TD, today launched the new Online Passport Application Service. This new service that will allow adults to renew their passport books and cards online wherever they are in the world.

Fine Gael Senator for Mayo, Michelle Mulherin, said the ongoing Bus Éireann strike is causing chaos in the public transport system. 　

Fine Gael TD for Sligo-Leitrim Tony McLoughlin’s Private Members Bill to ban fracking has been unanimously supported by the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Climate Action and Environment in a report released this week. 　

Fine Gael Limerick Senator, Maria Byrne, said the Restaurants and Foodservice sector in Ireland is facing a crisis shortage of Chefs and Skilled Hospitality Staff.

Fine Gael Cork East TD, David Stanton, has welcomed the designation of Cobh as a Rent Pressure Zone under the Government’s rental strategy, saying this will protect tenants from unreasonable rent increases.

Ulster Bank has agreed to meet community groups from Raphoe and Ardara to discuss the proposed closure of two bank branches there, Donegal Deputy Joe McHugh said today. Minister McHugh met senior bank officials in Dublin earlier today to protest at the planned closure of the branches which was announced last week.

Donegal Deputy Joe McHugh has welcomed news of a €970,000 in a water mains project investment which will ensure a clean and secure water supply for the 940 people served by the Portnoo Water Supply. “This is an important scheme for Portnoo, Dungloe, Lettermacaward and Naran and is part of a huge investment across Co Donegal. I want to thank Irish Water and their key partners Donegal County Council in progressing the Portnoo Water Supply with a completion in around six or seven months’ time.”

Fine Gael Kildare North TD, Bernard Durkan, has welcomed the designation of Maynooth as a Rent Pressure Zone under the Government’s rental strategy, saying this will protect tenants from unreasonable rent increases.

Prime Minister Theresa May has today, in accordance with Article 50 of the Treaty on European Union, formally notified the European Council of the UK's intention to leave the EU. This means that the two-year exit process has now commenced.