Senator Martin Conway

Fine Gael Waterford Deputy, Paudie Coffey, has welcomed news of further progress for the Palliative Care Unit in Waterford Regional Hospital (WRH) under the HSE Service Plan for this year. Deputy Coffey has raised this matter with the Minister for Health, Dr. James Reilly TD, for the delivery of the vital service for the South East Region. The Palliative Care Unit has been promised for many years but it is now being progressed further.

All of our predecessors, whether in politics, business, or simply a citizen, have played their role in the development of the modern day European Union.

Fine Gael TD for Donegal North East, Joe McHugh, has today (Wednesday) described this morning’s comprehensive European ban on fish discards as an important step forward for the fishing industry.

Fine Gael Cork North Central Deputy, Dara Murphy, has welcomed confirmation from the Minister for Environment, Community & Local Government, Phil Hogan TD, that Cork County Council’s proposals for the Inniscarra Water Treatment Plant and Sludge Treatment Upgrade contract have been approved.

Fine Gael Waterford Deputy, Paudie Coffey, has asked the Minister for Health, Dr. James Reilly TD, to sanction the required funding for the Palliative Care Unit at Waterford Regional Hospital (WRH). Deputy Coffey made the request following on from assurances given by the Minister that cancer services would be retained at WRH in any regional reconfiguration that would take place.

Fine Gael TD for Roscommon/South Leitrim, Frank Feighan, has expressed his delight that a new youth leadership and development programme will honour the wonderful legacy of the late Dermot Earley, renowned Roscommon footballer and former Chief of Staff of the Irish Defence Forces. The programme has been devised by NUI Galway and Foróige in partnership with the GAA and the Alan Kerins Project.

Minister Reilly spoke about his commitment to tackling the problem of smoking and noted that his objective during the Irish Presidency is to build consensus and facilitate agreement among Member States on the proposed revision of the Tobacco Directive.

Fine Gael Cork South West Deputy, Noel Harrington, has said the landmark investment being made by Government and private industry into seven world-class research centres, represents the largest investment of its kind in the State which will lead to high-end jobs being created in Cork and across the country.

Frances Fitzgerald TD, Minister for Children & Youth Affairs has today welcomed the announcement by the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) of its new inspection and monitoring regime for Ireland’s child protection and welfare services.