Damien English, TD

I am delighted to be here in Albania and to have the opportunity to address you. This forum follows a very productive set of meetings with members of the Government, including Prime Minister Rama, Ministers and members of Parliament and local government. Thank you for the hospitality we have been shown by everyone. I would like to extend special thanks to the EU Delegation and to Ambassador Sequi in particular for their support during our visit.

Fine Gael TD for Wicklow/East Carlow and member of the Public Accounts Committee, Simon Harris, has said that there are still a number of outstanding questions former CRC Chair, Hamilton Goulding needs to answer.

Preparations are well underway for the upcoming EPP Congress due to take place in the Convention Centre, Dublin from the 6-7 March.

Fine Gael Meath West TD and Chairman of the Oireachtas Jobs Committee, Damien English, has today (Wednesday) said the latest Live Register figures are a great start to the New Year on the jobs market. The figures released by the Central Statistics Office (CSO) show that the number of people on the Live Register has dropped for the 18th month in a row, and is now at its lowest level for four and a half years.

Fine Gael Clare Senator, Martin Conway, has today (Tuesday) urged the Government to immediately apply for EU funding to help address the hardships and difficulties being experienced by people in coastal communities as a result of storm damage.

Fine Gael Dublin Senator, Catherine Noone, has today (Friday) called for the urgent introduction of a quality standard mark for charities, to help restore confidence in the sector. Speaking in response to the latest revelations concerning the Central Remedial Clinic (CRC), Senator Noone said it was clear that action must be taken to restore confidence in the charities sector.

The Minister for Finance, Michael Noonan T.D., today welcomed the successful syndicated sale by the National Treasury Management Agency (NTMA) of €3.75 billion of bonds.

Minister for Justice and Equality, Alan Shatter TD, will issue a call next week for Expressions of Interest from suitably qualified persons who wish to be considered for appointment to the Board of a new Charities Regulatory Authority, with a view to making appointments before Easter to allow the Authority to come into operation at that time.

Minister of State for Tourism and Sport Michael Ring has announced that the 2014 Sports Capital Programme will open for applications today, Friday at 12 noon and has urged all sports clubs and organisations to register as soon as possible to be in with a chance of accessing the €40 million in funding available.