Leo Varadkar, TD

“It is wonderful to see the continued success of the Ireland Fund here in Britain, and to recognise the invaluable work that you have been doing for many years in supporting our Irish community and Irish organisations here in Britain”. “Ireland greatly values our dynamic diaspora, whose energy, expertise and experience has done much to build Ireland’s reach and reputation in the world. It has built strong, familial connections across the globe, not least with our nearest neighbour. In today’s world, where change and uncertainty appear to be the order of the day, our commitment to the Irish abroad remains steadfast.”

“Fáiltim roimh an fógra maidin inniú ón Aire Stáit do Ghnóthaí Gaeltachta agus Acmhainní Nádúrtha, Seán Kyne TD, go bhfuil deontas suas le €4,800 ceadaithe aige do Áislann Chill Chartha, chun cur ar a gcumas an díon a dheisiú. “This busy committee are carrying out important work on behalf of the community of Kilcar, and with regards the Irish language also. I’m delighted that this funding has been made available and I believe this grant will help them in continuing with the important work they carry out in attending to the Kilcar community.”

The Government has noted the contents of Prime Minister May’s speech today and welcomes the fact that it provides greater clarity on the proposed approach of the British Government to the Brexit negotiation process.

“The Our World Irish Aid Awards give pupils from all over Ireland a great opportunity to gain insight into the lives of children in developing countries, and convey their understanding through projects which are both creative and educational. Pupils will learn about the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals which are aimed at eradicating poverty, addressing environmental degradation and climate change, and building a more peaceful, fair and sustainable world by the year 2030. It is so important that pupils in Ireland today learn about these Goals which are so vital for the creation of a better world and a better future for all.

“My Fine Gael colleague, the Minister for Education Richard Bruton, has confirmed to me that he is investing €30m in ICT infrastructure grants for primary and post-primary schools. “The funding will support the development and implementation of an eLearning Plan for each school to embed ICT in teaching and learning

“I want to see Donegal clubs and organisations benefit as much as possible from this funding and so I encourage all involved to prepare the necessary paperwork for their applications in advance. Donegal clubs and sports organisations looking to apply should register now at www.sportscapitalprogramme.ie

Fine Gael Dublin Rathdown Senator, Neale Richmond, has welcomed a public consultation by Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council over the future of the Fernhill Estate and Gardens on the Enniskerry Road in Stepaside. Richmond has said Fernhill could be a world class park.

Fine Gael TD for Dublin Rathdown, Josepha Madigan, has welcomed the decision by An Bord Pleanála to uphold the decision to refuse planning permission for the Union Café development in Mount Merrion.

Fine Gael TD for Dublin South-West, Colm Brophy, has said that a new rapid delivery social housing project will help to ease housing waiting lists in Tallaght, with 85 new units being provided.

Fine Gael TD for Sligo-Leitrim, Tony McLoughlin, has today (Friday) received confirmation from Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government, Simon Coveney, that an additional €1 million has been approved by Government for Sligo County Council’s budget for this year.