Emer Higgins, TD

Speaking at the Polish Institute of International Affairs (PISM) in Warsaw, this morning (Friday), Minister for European Affairs, Paschal Donohoe TD, said membership of the EU has driven strong relations between Poland and Ireland in the past and will continue to do so in the future (see full speech below).

I welcome the Bill and the opportunity to speak on what on the face of it seems like a fairly simple and straightforward Bill.

Fine Gael TD for Laois Offaly and Chairman of the Fine Gael Parliamentary Party, Charlie Flanagan, has called on Fianna Fáil leader, Micheál Martin, to clarify what exactly then Minister for Justice, Dermot Ahern, knew about the allegations made by Sergeant McCabe in relation to Garda malpractice. This comes after totally conflicting versions of events from Fianna Fáil in recent days in relation to what Fianna Fáil in government knew about these allegations and when.

2014 plan aims to build on major progress in jobs market over past two years.

Minister for European Affairs, Paschal Donohoe TD, will today (Thursday) travel to Poland to meet with the Polish Minister for European Affairs, Piotr Serafin. A meeting will also be held with the Secretary of State at the Ministry of Infrastructure and Development, Minister Zbigniew Rynasiewicz.

Fine Gael Laois/Offaly TD, Marcella Corcoran Kennedy, has today (Wednesday) called on the Government to consider setting up a website to act as a hub for all issues subject to public consultation. Deputy Corcoran Kennedy received a positive response to her proposal from the Minister of State, Brian Hayes TD, when she raised the idea during Topical Issues in the Dáil earlier.

Fine Gael TD for Roscommon/South Leitrim, Frank Feighan, has warmly welcomed the news that a bowel cancer screening programme has commenced at Roscommon Hospital.

Fine Gael TD for Laois Offaly and Chairman of the Fine Gael Parliamentary Party, Charlie Flanagan, has strongly criticised the actions of Fianna Fáil leader, Micheál Martin, who has misinformed Dáil Eireann and the public on key details in relation to the whistleblower issue.