Fergus O'Dowd, TD

“The Minister for Education and Skills, Jan O'Sullivan has announced the introduction of two new policies which will support the sustainability of small schools. This will come as very welcome news to many small schools throughout County Kerry”, says Jimmy Deenihan, Minister of State with responsibility for the Diaspora and Fine Gael TD for Kerry.

Brian Hayes MEP for Dublin today welcomed a €300 million programme for Social Housing in Ireland part-financed by the European Investment Bank (EIB), saying that this could be important in tackling the serious shortage of supply of housing in Dublin.

Brian Hayes MEP for Dublin has today (Wednesday) welcomed the announcement of two major EU funding projects worth €319 million which will be spent on cross-border cooperation with Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

“Today marks a significant milestone in the development of Maynooth University as a highly modern, competitive and progressive university”, says Fine Gael TD for Kildare North, Bernard Durkan. Deputy Durkan was speaking after the announcement of a €150 million development plan for Maynooth University.

“Two new policies to support the sustainability of small schools announced by the Minister for Education and Skills, Jan O'Sullivan, will mean that St Kieran’s National School in Clareen will remain a three teacher school and Naomh Brogain, Brackna will remain a four teacher school”, says Marcella Corcoran Kennedy, Fine Gael TD for Laois/Offaly.

Fine Gael Meath West TD, Ray Butler, has welcomed new legislation to lower speed limit in residential areas, saying that it will help to keep children safe.

“The Minister for Finance, Michael Noonan, has launched a public consultation on the potential of tax measures to encourage the development of zoned and serviced land. I would encourage the public to get involved and to contribute to this process”, says Paul Coghlan, Kerry Senator and Government Chief Whip in the Seanad.

Fine Gael Senator for Dublin South-West, Cáit Keane, has urged the Minister for Education & Skills, Jan O’Sullivan, and the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, James Reilly TD, to introduce a strong cross departmental approach in order to improve standards in the childcare sector. The Senator made her comments while speaking at the Association of Childhood Professionals' rally outside Leinster House gates today (Tuesday).

“I am very encouraged by CSO data which shows that almost 73% of people aged 15 years and older are physically active but this still leaves over 25% who are not and no information on the activity levels of our children”, says Peter Fitzpatrick, Fine Gael TD for Louth and Member of the Oireachtas Health Committee.

The Bill provides crucial legal support and protection for children in their relationships with those parenting them. This may include married or unmarried parents, a parent’s partner, grandparents or relatives.