Emer Higgins, TD

Dublin Senator and Fine Gael candidate for Dublin West, Catherine Noone, has called on Dublin hotels to come together and sign a pledge that commits them to providing good value for money. This would be particularly relevant when it comes to major events, such as matches and concerts.

I welcome the opportunity to discuss this year's adjustment to the risk equalisation scheme because it is not a secret that I have always been uneasy about the operation of such a scheme and its impact in terms of cost to health insurance customers, and its impact on competition generally.

We are restoring the public finances, rebuilding our broken banking system and creating the environment to grow jobs. We are now budgeting for growth.

Fine Gael Sligo Leitrim Senator, Michael Comiskey, has warmly welcomed progress in relation to funding and upgrading of the N16. Senator Comiskey understands from contact with Transport Infrastructure Ireland (formally the NRA), that contracts for Phase 2 of the Cornalcoy section of road will be signed before Christmas, with work to commence early in the New Year.

To ask the Minister for Finance if the proceeds from the sale of shares in Allied Irish Bankss can be better utilised for capital projects rather than to reduct the State’s debt; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

To ask the Minister for Health how he will respond to the recent campaign by physiotherapists to have a common register with physical therapists; and if he will make a statement on the matter?

To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if she will provide details of training courses available for unemployed persons who had been self-employed and now wish to upskill; her views that every opportunity should be provided to all persons wishing to upskill in order to re-enter the workforce; if there are plans to allow greater access to training courses to all unemployed persons, irrespective of their previous occupation; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Anthony Lawlor, TD for Kildare North today, Tuesday, November 17, welcomed the announcement that 11 schools in Kildare North are to receive significant funding under a multi-million euro school building programme.

"The proposed reform of the passport system will make it more efficient for applicants and could also free up the Gardaí from passport related administrative duties," says Fine Gael TD for Kildare North, Anthony Lawlor.

"The proposed reform of the passport system will make it more efficient for applicants and could also free up the Gardaí from passport related administrative duties," says Fine Gael TD for Kildare North, Anthony Lawlor.