Bernard Durkan, TD

Fine Gael Kildare South TD, Martin Heydon, has today (Wednesday) called on Minister for Jobs Mary Mitchell O’Connor to ensure that the full supports of the State, including access to the European Globalisation Fund, are available for the staff of HP Inc who were informed of job losses at the plant today. Deputy Heydon was speaking on the matter during a topical issue in the Dáil.

“Fine Gael TD for Kildare North, Bernard Durkan, has said that an alternative company must be found for the Leixlip site to be vacated by HP Inc.

Fine Gael Mayo Senator, Michelle Mulherin, has said that investment in our water services is paying off for people in Mayo.

The principal of Royal & Prior Howard Welch is to meet Education Minister Richard Bruton next week to discuss possible future funding. Donegal TD and Minister of State Joe McHugh has arranged the meeting. It follows a visit to the Raphoe secondary school by Minister McHugh. The Fine Gael TD was given a tour of some of the school including the sports hall where Olympian Chloe Magee began her route to international sports stardom.

Minister for Health Simon Harris and Minister of State for Communities and the National Drugs Strategy, Catherine Byrne today (Tuesday) welcomed the Government’s decision to approve the publication of the Misuse of Drugs (Supervised Injecting Facilities) Bill 2017.

Reducing waiting times for the longest waiting patients is one of the Government’s key priorities, according to Minister for Health Simon Harris, who was responding to the RTÉ One Prime Time Investigates “Living on the List” programme.

Donegal Minister Joe McHugh has urged residents of coastal areas in the county to have their say on the future of aquaculture. The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Michael Creed has appointed a review panel regarding the licensing process and the associated legal framework in the view of changing legislation. Minister McHugh says a three person Review Group has invited written submissions or observations on matters within the Group’s Terms of Reference.

The Government today (Monday 6th February) published the Action Plan for Education 2017, led by Minister Richard Bruton, aimed at making Ireland’s education and training system the best in Europe within a decade.

“There is a clear argument, which I support, for work to re-commence on the breakwater project and further, the development of Greencastle harbour from a whole range of commercial viewpoints,” said Minister McHugh. “Fishing, marine tourism and commercial possibilities are there for Greencastle to harness in the years ahead and I wanted to get a first hand briefing on local views in the area.

Donegal TD and Minister of State Joe McHugh has today welcomed news that the Government is to pour €6.2 Million into upgrading work in Killybegs harbour. On top of that, Donegal County Council will also benefit from further funding at other harbours in the county.