Patrick O'Donovan, TD

Donegal Minister Joe McHugh has urged residents of coastal areas in the county to have their say on the future of aquaculture. The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Michael Creed has appointed a review panel regarding the licensing process and the associated legal framework in the view of changing legislation. Minister McHugh says a three person Review Group has invited written submissions or observations on matters within the Group’s Terms of Reference.

The Government today (Monday 6th February) published the Action Plan for Education 2017, led by Minister Richard Bruton, aimed at making Ireland’s education and training system the best in Europe within a decade.

“There is a clear argument, which I support, for work to re-commence on the breakwater project and further, the development of Greencastle harbour from a whole range of commercial viewpoints,” said Minister McHugh. “Fishing, marine tourism and commercial possibilities are there for Greencastle to harness in the years ahead and I wanted to get a first hand briefing on local views in the area.

Donegal TD and Minister of State Joe McHugh has today welcomed news that the Government is to pour €6.2 Million into upgrading work in Killybegs harbour. On top of that, Donegal County Council will also benefit from further funding at other harbours in the county.

“As Minister for the Diaspora this has been a key issue for me. Within days of the election of Donald Trump I met emigrant representation groups in Boston and New York,” said McHugh. “This is personal because I know so many families who have a loved one who is working in the United States, paying their taxes, raising their families and contributing in such a positive way to the communities where they live in America.

Fine Gael Dublin Rathdown Senator, Neale Richmond, has welcomed the decision by the Minister for Education and Skills, Richard Bruton TD, to extend the consultation period on the role of denominational religion in the school admissions process and possible approaches for making changes. Senator Richmond tabled a Commencement Matter in the Seanad calling for an extension to the consultation period on Wednesday.

Frequently asked questions and answers about the Apple tax ruling.

The Taoiseach and Minister Simon Coveney, today (Thursday 2nd February) launched a major national consultation for the preparation of a strategic planning and development framework for Ireland between now and 2040, in Maynooth University. Today’s event is the first of two public consultation exercises and a series of regional and stakeholder events in preparing Ireland 2040 – Our Plan.

With today’s antics at the Oireachtas Water Committee, Fianna Fáil is effectively holding up the work of the Committee, which is not in the public interest,” says Kildare South TD and Chair of the Fine Gael Parliamentary Party, Martin Heydon.

An Taoiseach Enda Kenny together with Minister for Jobs, Enterprise & Innovation Mary Mitchell O’Connor today launched the Action Plan for Jobs 2017 at the offices of NDRC, the early stage investor in tech companies, in the Digital Hub.