Richard Bruton, TD

Fine Gael Laois/Offaly TD, Marcella Corcoran Kennedy, has today (Wednesday) welcomed confirmation from the Minister for Communications, Pat Rabbitte TD, that a full cost benefit analysis is being carried out to look at whether it is mutually beneficial for Ireland and the United Kingdom to reach an agreement to facilitate trade in renewable energy.

Fine Gael Meath West TD and Chair of the Oireachtas Jobs Committee, Damien English, has secured the support of the Minister for Finance, Michael Noonan TD, to set up an informal working group to tackle the black economy. Deputy English has suggested that the group could include representatives from the Revenue Commissioners, the Department of Finance and members of the Oireachtas.

Fine Gael TD for Wicklow and European Parliament Candidate for Ireland South, Simon Harris today (Wednesday) welcomed the launch of a new report by the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) on the world’s biggest-ever survey on violence against women. More than 42,000 women across the 28 member-states were asked about their experiences.

The function of Visiting Committees is to visit the prison to which they are appointed and hear any complaints which may be made to them by any prisoner. The Committees play a vital role in ensuring the quality of accommodation and catering, medical, educational and welfare services and recreational facilities.

The Taoiseach has today congratulated the Irish Rugby Team and their talisman Brian O'Driscoll on their outstanding courage and skill in winning this year's 6 Nations Championship.

To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if it is policy that contracts of indefinite duration are only awarded to teachers/tutors up to eligibility to claim State pension; the date on which was this policy was introduced; and if he will make a statement on the matter?

Fine Gael Kerry Senator and Seanad Chief Whip, Paul Coghlan, has today (Tuesday) commended the Government on the progress it has made since taking Office three years ago. Speaking during Order of Business in the Seanad, Senator Coghlan paid particular tribute to the Minister for Finance, Michael Noonan TD, and his role in bringing about our economic recovery.

Fine Gael Chairman and Laois/Offaly TD, Charlie Flanagan, has this evening (Tuesday) said that the Government must push ahead with its programme of political reform. Deputy Flanagan was speaking during a Dáil debate on Government priorities for the year ahead.

Government, Education and Industry working together to make Ireland the most attractive location in the world for ICT talent Ministers Quinn and Bruton launch the ICT Skills Action Plan The Government today (Friday) published its plan to fill 44,500 jobs for ICT professionals over the years to 2018.

Minister for European Affairs, Paschal Donohoe, will travel to Belgium on Sunday morning to promote trade, tourism and investment links between Ireland and Belgium as part of the Government’s St. Patrick’s Day programme.