I welcome the announcement that the Springboard + Initiative in Higher Education is offering free courses in Cork and elsewhere around the country this term in a number of different and growing sectors. Springboard + Initiative is an opportunity for people out of work to get a foot back on the ladder of education and…

I am calling on Sinn Fein TD Aengus Ó Snodaigh to state whether or not he supports the comments of his Northern colleague and Education Minister John O’Dowd, telling people to think very carefully about entering the teaching profession. Speaking yesterday, Minister O’Dowd said that due to the budget cuts that Sinn Fein negotiated, agreed,…

Micheal Martin, the man whose election campaign is about whether he can remain (supposed) leader of the opposition, claims Fianna Fáil are a bit to the left. Historically, he says. Ancient history more like. Nearly a hundred years more like. He claims Fine Gael are a right wing party. There is no end to his…

Minister for Education and Skills and Labour TD for Limerick City, Jan O’Sullivan, today warmly welcomed the establishment of a Jigsaw, a new youth mental service for Limerick. “Jigsaw is a fantastic service, provided by the organisation Headstrong. It is already making a very positive impact on youth mental health in ten communities across the…

Speaking at Labour Women Nollaig na mBan Event It’s a real privilege to be here with you this evening and I want to wish you all a very happy Nollaig na mBan. Last week, as you know, President Higgins convened the Council of State to advise on the International Protection Bill. There’s a large oil…

Labour TD Ciaran Lynch has welcomed news that retail sales have increased 9.3% in the last 12 months, according to fresh CSO figures released this afternoon. Deputy Lynch said: “From October to November this year, the volume of retail sales rose by 2.2.%, with electrical goods and department store sales showing the strongest growth. “Overall,…

It has become increasingly clear this week that the recovery we are now experiencing in Ireland is not only jobs-rich, but is one that is taking hold in all regions across the country. Today we see where IDA Ireland, the Government agency responsible for attracting foreign direct investment, has announced that total employment in overseas…

I was saddened to hear of the sudden death of golf legend, Christy O’Connor Jnr. My thoughts first and foremost are with his wife Ann, children, Nigel and Ann along with his extended family and friends. Christy led a very active and full life; he achieved great successes as a golfer. He competed in over…