Patrick O'Donovan, TD

public expenditure reductions and reform throughout the public service have brought spending into line with income over the past three and a half year

that reforms and efficiencies throughout the public sector here are in line with best practice throughout Europe

I welcome the opportunity to speak on this important legislation that deals with recording the defining moments of our lives, our births, marriages and deaths - the records that establish our position and status within the State, and our relationship to one and another and to the State as citizens.

To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources in view of the serious reservations of many potential users of the proposed post code and in view of its almost complete irrevocability once introduced, if he will consider postponing its introduction pending an examination of the extent to which it meets the criteria for a national post code as defined by the Joint Oireachtas Communications Committee in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter?

Fine Gael Cork North Central Senator and the Party’s Seanad Spokesperson on Health, Colm Burke, has today (Thursday) called on the HSE to review all small maternity units across the country, on view of the evidence given by Dr Peter Boylan, former master of the National Maternity Hospital, at the inquest into the death of Ms Dhara Kivlehan.

Fine Gael Cork South Central TD, and Chairperson of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Health and Children, Jerry Buttimer, has called for a detailed national policy on anaphylaxis and for a review of regulations which control access to treatment in emergency situations.

Fine Gael Dublin South Central TD, has today (Thursday) welcomed figures released by Dublin Port Company showing a 7.3% increase in export and import trade for the year to date. Ferry passenger numbers are also up 5.5%.

Fine Gael Dublin MEP Brian Hayes has said today (Thursday) said that a programme funded by the European Investment Bank (EIB) on Social Housing in Ireland will be of significant benefit to Dublin as the city battles with housing shortages.

Fine Gael MEPs Sean Kelly, Mairead McGuinness and Deirdre Clune will travel to Belfast on Friday, October 10th to host a series of meetings with leading politicians, community groups and those involved in the EU funding programmes.

Fine Gael Cork South West TD, Noel Harrington, has today (Thursday) called for the National Broadband Plan to prioritise rural areas, as they cannot wait another six years. Deputy Harrington was speaking after a meeting of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport and Communications, where members received a briefing from officials in the Department of Communications, Energy & Natural Resources and the Commission of the Communications Regulation (ComReg).