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<title>Houses of the Oireachtas | Press Releases</title>
<link>http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/</link>
<description>Recent news from Houses of the Oireachtas</description>
<language>en-gb</language>
<copyright>Copyright: (C). Houses of the Oireachtas</copyright>
<ttl>15</ttl><item>
<title><![CDATA[Closing Statement of Jerry Buttimer TD Chairman of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health and Children
]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Over the last three days, during almost thirty hours of hearings, we have being discussing the Protection of Life during Pregnancy (Heads of) Bill 2013.
]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-16769-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Tue, 21 May 2013 18:29:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Environment Sub-Committee to consider Housing (Amendment) Bill 2013]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Minister of State for Housing and Planning at the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government Jan O&rsquo;Sullivan will come before the sub-committee on the Environment, Community and Local Government tomorrow, Wednesday, 22nd May 2013 for the Housing (Amendment) Bill 2013.
]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-16768-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Tue, 21 May 2013 17:10:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Social Protection Committee to continue consideration of child and family income supports]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Oireachtas Joint Committee on Education and Social Protection meets with representatives from the End Child Poverty Coalition and the National Women&rsquo;s Council of Ireland (NWCI) on the recently published Mangan report.]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-16767-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Tue, 21 May 2013 17:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Communications Committee to hear from RT&Eacute; Director General]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Oireachtas Joint Committee on Transport and Communications tomorrow meets with Noel Curran Director General of RT&Eacute;. The meeting is expected to focus on the current budgetary position at the station and the pay levels to contracted and staff broadcasters. ]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-16763-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Tue, 21 May 2013 13:05:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Justice Committee to meet Members Designate of the Irish Human Rights Equality Commission
]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality will meet with nominees for Members Designate of the Irish Human Rights Equality Commission at its meeting tomorrow, Wednesday, 22nd May 2013.]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-16762-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Tue, 21 May 2013 13:31:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Secretary General, Department of the Taoiseach to appear before Finance Committee ]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Department of the Taoiseach Strategy Statement 2011-2014 and the IFSC Clearing House Group will be on the agenda of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform tomorrow, Wednesday, 22nd May 2013 when it meets with the Secretary General at the Department of the Taoiseach.]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-16761-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Tue, 21 May 2013 13:21:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Jobs Committee to continue hearings on the impact of the black economy on business]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The effects of the black economy on Irish business will be the focus of the Committee on Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation tomorrow, Tuesday 21st May 2013 when it meets with representatives of the Construction Industry Federation, the National Federation of Retail Agents and Grant Thornton.]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-16716-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Mon, 20 May 2013 15:06:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[EU Affairs Committee to meet European Movement Ireland on Accountability Report
]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Oireachtas Joint Committee on EU Affairs tomorrow meets with representatives from the European Movement Ireland to consider the its Accountability Report 2012.]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-16711-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Mon, 20 May 2013 13:25:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Agriculture Committee to meet milk producer representatives]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Oireachtas Joint Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine tomorrow resumes its discussions on the relationship between supermarkets and primary and secondary food producers when it meets with representatives from a range of milk producers. ]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-16710-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Mon, 20 May 2013 13:45:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Environment Committee to start hearings on Climate Bill next week]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Oireachtas Joint Committee on Environment, Culture and Gaeltacht will start its hearings on the Heads of the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Bill next Tuesday, 21st May, 2013 when it will meet with representatives from the Department of the Environment, the National Economic and Social Council and the Environmental Protection Agency.]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-16683-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Fri, 17 May 2013 12:39:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Ceann Comhairle, Cathaoirleach and Irish parliamentary delegation meet with President Xi Jinping in China.
]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Ceann Comhairle is leading a parliamentary delegation in China from Sunday 12 May to Sunday 19 May 2013.  
The following members comprise the delegation:
Ceann Comhairle, Mr. Se&aacute;n Barrett TD - Speaker of D&aacute;il &Eacute;ireann (delegation leader).
Cathaoirleach, Senator Patrick Burke &ndash; Speaker of Seanad &Eacute;ireann.
Mr. Pat Breen, Chair of the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade.
Mr. Andrew Doyle, Chair of the Joint Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
Mr. Dara Calleary, member of the Joint Committee on Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation.
Mr. John Lyons, Vice-Chairman of the Joint Committee on Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation Committee.

The delegation is visiting China at the invitation of HE Mr. Zhang Dejiang, Chairman of the National People's Congress (NPC).
]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-16678-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Fri, 17 May 2013 10:49:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Opening Statement &ndash; Jerry Buttimer TD, Chairman of the Oireachtas Committee on Health and Children]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The fundamental role of the Oireachtas is to enact legislation; in doing so it must act within the parameters set down by the people in their constitution, Bunreacht na hEireann. Our constitution is a living, dynamic, document, which is applied by our courts and ultimately interpreted by our Supreme Court.  It is within this framework that Government and the Oireachtas must act, both are constrained by its provisions and neither can go beyond what is constitutionally prescribed.]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-16677-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Fri, 17 May 2013 09:59:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[EU Affairs Committee engages with Amnesty International on advancing human rights]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Oireachtas Joint Committee on EU Affairs this afternoon heard from representatives of Amnesty International Ireland on their work in advancing human rights EU-wide, including a number of specific recommendations to the Irish EU Presidency.]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-16676-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Thu, 16 May 2013 16:43:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Local authorities must explain why they have not drawn down allocations for Traveller housing &ndash; Environment Committee]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Oireachtas Joint Committee on Environment, Culture and Gaeltacht has today, Thursday, 16th May, 2103 asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government Phil Hogan TD to request all local authorities to provide detailed explanations on why they have not drawn down their allocations for traveller housing.]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-16669-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Thu, 16 May 2013 15:44:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Oireachtas Committee offers support for advancing Narrow Water bridge project ]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Joint Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement this afternoon agreed to write to both Taoiseach Enda Kenny TD and T&aacute;naiste Eamon Gilmore TD in an effort to advance the Narrow Water Bridge project across Carlingford Lough. ]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-16668-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Thu, 16 May 2013 15:20:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Irish Parliamentary delegation to meet with newly appointed Chinese President Xi Jinping.
]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Ceann Comhairle is leading a parliamentary delegation in China from Sunday 12 May to Sunday 19 May 2013.  ]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-16667-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Thu, 16 May 2013 14:21:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Health Committee finalises witness list for hearings on the Heads of the Protection of Life during Pregnancy Bill 2013]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Committee on Health and Children have finalised the witnesses to appear over three days of public hearings on the 17th, 20th and 21st May 2013 to discuss  the Heads of the Protection of Life during Pregnancy Bill 2013.]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-16661-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Wed, 15 May 2013 16:44:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[EU Affairs Committee to meet Amnesty International representatives]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Oireachtas Joint Committee on EU Affairs tomorrow meets with representatives from Amnesty International Ireland who will outline their recommendations to the Irish EU Presidency. ]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-16660-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Wed, 15 May 2013 14:50:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Oireachtas Committee to consider Narrow Water bridge project with business groups ]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Joint Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement tomorrow meets with business leaders from both sides of the border to consider how best to advance the Narrow Water Bridge project.]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-16656-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Wed, 15 May 2013 14:36:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[PAC to consider Garda accounts and collection of motor tax
]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The 2011 Appropriation Accounts of An Garda S&iacute;och&aacute;na and collection of motor tax will be the focus of the Committee of Public Accounts when it meets with Martin Callinan, Commissioner, An Garda S&iacute;och&aacute;na and officials from Departments of the Environment, Community and Local Government and from Transport, Tourism and Sport tomorrow, Thursday 16th May 2013.]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-16651-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Wed, 15 May 2013 10:30:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Oireachtas Committee to continue consideration of petitions]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Joint Oireachtas Committee on Public Service Oversight and Petitions will tomorrow afternoon continue its careful consideration of petitions received from members of the public. ]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-16650-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Tue, 14 May 2013 18:36:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Health Committee to hold hearings on the Heads of the Protection of Life during Pregnancy Bill 2013]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Committee on Health and Children will hold three days of public hearings on the 17th, 20th and 21st May 2013 on the Heads of the Protection of Life during Pregnancy Bill 2013.]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-16649-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Tue, 14 May 2013 18:17:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Social Protection Committee to discuss rent supplement scheme]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Oireachtas Joint Committee on Education and Social Protection meets with officials from the Department of Social Protection to consider the rent supplement scheme. ]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-16648-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Tue, 14 May 2013 17:56:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Sub-Committee to discuss Construction Contracts Bill 2010]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Committee Stage of the Construction Contracts Bill 2010 will take place on Wednesday, 15th May 2013 when Minister of State with responsibility for the OPW and Public Service Reform Brian Hayes comes before the Sub-Committee on Public Expenditure and Reform.]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-16645-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Tue, 14 May 2013 15:14:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Justice Committee to discuss Criminal Justice (Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing) (Amendment) Bill 2013]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Justice Minister Alan Shatter TD will attend the Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality tomorrow, 15th May 2013 for the committee stage of the Criminal Justice (Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing) (Amendment) Bill 2013.]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-16600-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Tue, 14 May 2013 11:01:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[European parliamentarians hear of economic imperative for supporting renewables and energy efficiency ]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Members of the parliaments of EU Member States and of the European Parliament today heard how EU-wide policy to foster clean energies and promote energy efficiency can help ease the current economic and jobs crisis. ]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-16589-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Mon, 13 May 2013 16:16:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Environment Committee to discuss Traveller housing issues with local authorities and Traveller representatives]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Oireachtas Joint Committee on Environment, Culture and Gaeltacht will discuss housing of members of the Traveller Community by local authorities at its meeting tomorrow, Tuesday, 14th May 2013.
]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-16588-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Mon, 13 May 2013 12:23:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Jobs Committee to discuss operations of Local Enterprise Offices ]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The operation of Local Enterprise Offices will be examined by the Committee on Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation tomorrow, Tuesday 14th May 2013 when it meets with representatives of the Association of County and City Councils.]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-16586-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Mon, 13 May 2013 11:48:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Agriculture Committee to resume discussions on harvesting rights ]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine continues its series of discussions on the implications of the proposed sale of Coillte's harvesting rights when it meets with representatives from the IMPACT trade union tomorrow afternoon. Two IMPACT-commissioned reports ,  which assess the perceived consequences from such a sale, will form the basis the presentation.]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-16581-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Mon, 13 May 2013 10:23:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Ceann Comhairle leads parliamentary delegation to China]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Ceann Comhairle will lead a parliamentary delegation in China from Sunday 12 May to Sunday 19 May.

]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-16576-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Fri, 10 May 2013 15:52:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Oireachtas Committee Chairman welcomes moves on peace walls]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Chairman of the Joint Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement, Joe McHugh TD, today welcomed the target set by the First and Deputy First Ministers to dismantle all of Northern Ireland&rsquo;s peace walls by 2023.]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-16573-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Fri, 10 May 2013 14:37:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[European parliamentarians to consider policies to foster clean energy]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Members of the parliaments of EU Member States and of the European Parliament meet in Dublin Castle this Monday 13 May, to consider how to enhance EU-wide policy which helps foster clean energies and curb climate change. ]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-16567-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Fri, 10 May 2013 10:23:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[EU Affairs Committee engages constructively with UK Minister for Europe]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Oireachtas Joint Committee on EU Affairs this morning heard David Lidington MP, UK Minister for Europe, outline his country&rsquo;s current approach of the United Kingdom to the European Union.]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-16566-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Thu, 09 May 2013 15:50:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[EU Affairs Committee to meet UK&rsquo;s Minister for Europe]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Oireachtas Joint Committee on EU Affairs tomorrow meets with David Lidington MP, UK Minister for Europe, as part of a series of events in the Houses of the Oireachtas to mark Europe Week. ]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-16563-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Wed, 08 May 2013 17:02:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Sub-Committee meets to consider 2013 revised estimates for public services]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Sub-Committee on the Department of the Taoiseach will consider the 2013 revised estimates for public services &ndash; Taoiseach&rsquo;s Vote Group with An Taoiseach Enda Kenny TD and Government Chief Whip Paul Kehoe TD.]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-16562-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Wed, 08 May 2013 14:52:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Finance Committee to consider Department of Finance EU Scrutiny Report]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Oireachtas Joint Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform will examine the Department of Finance EU Scrutiny Report (July-December 2012) with officials from the Department of Finance tomorrow, Thursday, 9th May 2013. ]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-16561-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Wed, 08 May 2013 13:16:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Agriculture Committee to meet representatives from Lidl
]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Oireachtas Joint Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine tomorrow continues its discussions on the relationship between supermarkets and primary and secondary food producers when it meets with representatives from Lidl.]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-16560-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Wed, 08 May 2013 12:58:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Committee hears from Sports Minister on anti-doping efforts]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Oireachtas Joint Committee on Transport and Communications this morning met with the Minister of State with responsibility for Tourism and Sport Michael Ring TD to discuss the upcoming Council of Sports Ministers meeting.]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-16558-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Wed, 08 May 2013 12:19:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[PAC to examine VAT on Intra-Community Trade]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Vat on intra-community trade will be the focus of the Committee of Public Accounts when it meets with the Chairman of the Revenue Commissioners tomorrow, 9th May 2013.]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-16557-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Wed, 08 May 2013 11:35:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Education Committee to explore how to curb back to school costs]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Oireachtas Joint Committee on Education and Social Protection meets with representatives from Barnardos, the Society of St Vincent de Paul and the National Parents Council (Primary) and National Parents Council (Post- Primary) to discuss the policy steps required to curb back to school costs. ]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-16553-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Tue, 07 May 2013 16:35:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Finance Committee to receive pre-Ecofin council briefing from Minister Noonan]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Oireachtas Joint Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform will meet the Minister for Finance Michael Noonan TD tomorrow, Wednesday, 8th May 2013. The Minister&rsquo;s presence at the meeting will allow Committee Members to question him in advance of the upcoming ECOFIN Council meeting.]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-16546-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Tue, 07 May 2013 16:28:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Foreign Affairs Committee to discuss Europe Week, undocumented Irish and Global Irish Economic Forum 
]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Europe Week will be marked by the Foreign Affairs Committee when it meets with Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Lucinda Creighton tomorrow, Wednesday, 8th May 2013 to discuss the European Neighourhood Policy, enlargement of the EU and developments in the OSCE.]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-16518-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Tue, 07 May 2013 15:27:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Committee to engage with Sports Minister in advance of Council of Ministers meeting]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Oireachtas Joint Committee on Transport and Communications will tomorrow meet with the Minister of State with responsibility for Tourism and Sport Michael Ring TD to discuss the upcoming Council of Sports Ministers meeting. ]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-16510-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Tue, 07 May 2013 14:13:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Justice Committee to consider Department of Defence EU scrutiny reports]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality will meet with the Secretary General of the Department of Defence tomorrow, Wednesday 8th May 2013 to consider recent Department of Defence EU Scrutiny Reports for January-June 2012 and July-December 2012.]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-16508-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Tue, 07 May 2013 11:53:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Agriculture Committee to discuss CAP and CFP progress with Minister]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Oireachtas Joint Committee Agriculture, Food and the Marine this afternoon meets Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Simon Coveney TD to discuss the Common Agricultural Policy and Common Fisheries Policy. ]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-16507-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Tue, 07 May 2013 10:19:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[EU Affairs Committee to discuss democratic legitimacy and accountability]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Minister for European Affairs Lucinda Creighton TD this afternoon meets with the Oireachtas Joint Committee on EU Affairs as part of its series of discussions on the future of the European Union. The meeting will focus on how best to underpin democratic legitimacy and accountability in the European integration process.]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-16505-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Tue, 07 May 2013 09:59:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Europe to be the focus of Oireachtas business as the D&aacute;il, Seanad and Oireachtas Committees mark Europe Day 
]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Houses of the Oireachtas will mark Europe Day during a series of special debates and events which take place in the D&aacute;il, Seanad and in various Oireachtas Committees from Tuesday, 7th May to Thursday, 9th May. ]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-16504-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Fri, 03 May 2013 16:52:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Photocall for Europe Week]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Ceann Comhairle Se&aacute;n Barrett, TD, Cathaoirleach of Seanad &Eacute;ireann Senator Paddy Burke and Committee Chairpersons will launch Europe Week in Leinster House with a photocall in the Main Hall, Leinster House on Tuesday 7 May 2013 at 2 p.m.]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-16503-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Fri, 03 May 2013 16:36:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Jobs Committee to mark cloud computing week]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Committee on Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation will mark cloud computing week on Tuesday, 7th May 2013 when it meets with representatives from Microsoft to discuss the role and potential of Cloud Computing in public sector transformation and job creation.]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-16498-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Fri, 03 May 2013 13:57:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Jobs Committee to meet representatives from Food and Drinks Industry of Ireland]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Issues facing food companies in the grocery sector will be the focus of the Committee on Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation on Tuesday, 7th May 2013 when it meets with representatives from Food and Drink Industry of Ireland.]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-16497-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Fri, 03 May 2013 13:55:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Health Committee to hold hearings on the Heads of the Protection of Life during Pregnancy Bill 2013]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Committee on Health and Children met this morning, Thursday, 2nd May, to discuss how it will proceed with hearings on the Heads of the Protection of Life during Pregnancy Bill 2013.]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-16492-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Thu, 02 May 2013 12:56:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Belfast visit by Oireachtas Committee to advance community concerns ]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[A delegation from the Joint Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement travels to Belfast today (Thursday 2 May) and tomorrow (Friday 3 May) for a wide-ranging series of meetings with community groups, residents associations, political and church leaders, representatives from the Parades Commission, the British-Irish Joint Secretariat and local dignitaries. (View programme below) ]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-16489-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Thu, 02 May 2013 10:13:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade - Resolution on the case of Mr Sergei Magnitsky]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[At its meeting on 1 May 2013, it was agreed that the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade notes: ]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-16488-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Thu, 02 May 2013 10:04:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Agriculture Committee to discuss proposed sale of Coillte harvesting rights]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Irish Timber Council are before the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine tomorrow morning to discuss the implications arising from the proposed sale of Coillte harvesting rights.]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-16486-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Wed, 01 May 2013 16:18:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Communications Committee engages Chairman Designate of An Post on sustaining post office network]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Oireachtas Joint Committee on Transport and Communications this morning held a detailed discussion with Christoph Mueller, Chairman Designate of An Post, on his vision for the company. Under the Programme for Government, those who are being proposed for appointment as chairpersons of State boards are required to make themselves available to the appropriate Oireachtas Committee.]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-16485-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Wed, 01 May 2013 15:17:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Health Committee to meet in private to discuss programme of work on Protection of Life during Pregnancy Bill 2013]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Committee on Health and Children will meet in private tomorrow, Thursday, 2nd May 2013 to determine its programme of work on the Heads of the Protection of Life during Pregnancy Bill 2013.]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-16484-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Wed, 01 May 2013 14:33:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[PAC to examine C&amp;AG report into Dublin Docklands Development Authority]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Committee of Public Accounts will examine the C&amp;AG Report on the Dublin Docklands Development Authority when it meets with John Tierney, Chairman, Dublin Docklands Development  Authority and officials from the Departments of Environment, Community and Local Government and of Public Expenditure and Reform tomorrow, Thursday, 2nd May 2013.]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-16483-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Wed, 01 May 2013 13:53:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Oireachtas Committee to continue detailed consideration of petitions]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Joint Oireachtas Committee on Public Service Oversight and Petitions will tomorrow afternoon continue its consideration of petitions received from members of the public. ]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-16475-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Tue, 30 Apr 2013 17:45:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[EU Affairs Committee engages Central Bank Governor on Banking Union]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Oireachtas Joint Committee on European Union Affairs this afternoon heard from the Governor of the Central Bank of Ireland Prof Patrick Honohan on the current moves afoot towards banking union.]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-16474-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Tue, 30 Apr 2013 17:39:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Communications Committee to meet Chairman Designate of An Post]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Oireachtas Joint Committee on Transport and Communications will tomorrow meet with Christoph Mueller, Chairman Designate of An Post. The discussions are likely to draw on a recent Committee report on sustaining the post office network. ]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-16473-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Tue, 30 Apr 2013 16:47:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Education and Skills sub-Committee to consider Further Education and Training Bill 2013]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Oireachtas Select sub-Committee on Education and Skills will tomorrow consider the Further Education and Training Bill 2013 with Minister of State Ciar&aacute;n Cannon TD. ]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-16472-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Tue, 30 Apr 2013 14:48:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Justice Committee to consider EU Motion on currency counterfeiting  ]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality tomorrow considers an EU Motion regarding COM(2013)42 with Minister for Justice and Equality Alan Shatter TD. ]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-16471-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Tue, 30 Apr 2013 12:35:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Correspondence from Smithwick Tribunal re: Fourth Interim Report]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Correspondence received from the Smithwick Tribunal on 20 April 2013. ]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-16468-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Tue, 30 Apr 2013 12:01:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Foreign Affairs Committee to meet American Chamber of Commerce to discuss trade promotion issues
]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Trade promotion and the role of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in economic recovery will be the focus of the Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade when it meets with the American Chamber of Commerce Ireland tomorrow, Wednesday, 1st May 2013.]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-16466-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Tue, 30 Apr 2013 09:57:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Oireachtas Committee to hear from state agencies on sustaining rural coastal and island communities]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Oireachtas Joint sub-Committee on Fisheries this afternoon continues its series of meetings aimed at exploring strategies for promoting sustainable coastal and island communities. Before the Committee will be representatives from a range of state agencies, including &Uacute;dar&aacute;s na Gaeltachta, Bord Iascaigh Mhara, the Marine Institute and the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority. ]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-16465-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Tue, 30 Apr 2013 09:53:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Operation of SIPTU Fund raises issues of concern - PAC]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The development and operation of the SIPTU National Health and Local Authority Levy Fund Account raises issues of concern, according to Committee of Public Accounts Chairman John McGuinness TD.]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-16463-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Mon, 29 Apr 2013 17:08:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[European parliamentarians hear practical steps to foster enterprise and job creation strategies ]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Members of the parliaments of EU Member States and the European Parliament met today in Dublin Castle to consider strategies to tackle youth unemployment and harness the potential of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs).
]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-16440-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Mon, 29 Apr 2013 15:56:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Environment Committee to consider European Environmental Action Plan]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Officials from the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government will attend the meeting of the Environment Committee tomorrow, Tuesday, 30th April 2013 for scrutiny of COM(2012)710 - an Environmental Action Plan.]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-16425-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Mon, 29 Apr 2013 15:23:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Finance Committee to discuss Stability Programme Update]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The forthcoming Stability Programme Update will be the focus of the Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform when it meets with the Minister for Finance Michael Noonan tomorrow, Tuesday 30th April 2013.]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-16423-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Mon, 29 Apr 2013 15:03:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[EU Affairs Committee to meet Central Bank Governor on EMU]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Oireachtas Joint Committee on European Union Affairs will tomorrow afternoon meet with the Governor of the Central Bank of Ireland to discuss the likely future course of Economic and Monetary Union and the implications for Ireland. Prof Patrick Honohan will be accompanied by Central Bank colleagues Patrick Brady, Director of Policy and Risk, and Colm Larkin. ]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-16422-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Mon, 29 Apr 2013 11:23:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Joint Communiqu&eacute; from the Second Plenary of the North/South Inter-Parliamentary Association]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Friday 26 April 2013

The North/South Inter-Parliamentary Association which comprises of representatives from the Northern Ireland Assembly and Houses of the Oireachtas, today held its second Plenary in the Senate Chamber in Parliament Buildings, Stormont, Belfast.  ]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-16421-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Fri, 26 Apr 2013 16:15:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Agriculture Committee engages with Minister on efforts to stem fodder crisis]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Oireachtas Joint Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine this afternoon engaged with Minister for Agriculture Simon Coveney TD on the supports being provided to help farmers through the current fodder crisis. ]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-16420-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Thu, 25 Apr 2013 17:32:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[European parliamentarians to discuss enterprise and job creation strategies]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Members of the parliaments of EU Member States and the European Parliament meet in Dublin Castle this Monday, 29 April, to consider strategies to tackle unemployment and harness the potential of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs). ]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-16419-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Thu, 25 Apr 2013 16:37:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Rescheduled meeting: Agriculture Committee to discuss fodder shortage with Minister]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Oireachtas Joint Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine will tomorrow engage with Minister for Agriculture Simon Coveney TD on the current fodder crisis.  ]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-16396-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Thu, 25 Apr 2013 09:28:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Oireachtas Committee to hear from leading academics on sustaining rural coastal and island communities]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Oireachtas Joint sub-Committee on Fisheries tomorrow morning continues its series of meetings aimed at exploring strategies for promoting sustainable coastal and island communities. ]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-16395-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Wed, 24 Apr 2013 16:12:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Cancellation of Agriculture Committee meeting]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The meeting of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine with Minister Simon Coveney TD, scheduled for 12 noon tomorrow Thursday 25 April, has been cancelled. The meeting is likely to be rescheduled for next week. ]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-16394-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Wed, 24 Apr 2013 16:02:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Transport and Communications Committee concludes discussions on alcohol sponsorship]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Oireachtas Joint Committee on Transport and Communications this morning concluded its deliberations on the implications of a possible ban on the sponsorship of major sporting events by alcohol drinks companies. It is the Committees intention to publish a short report on the basis of the hearings. ]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-16393-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Wed, 24 Apr 2013 14:53:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Health Committee to continue discussions on organ donation]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Committee on Health and Children will resume its hearings on organ donation tomorrow, Thursday 25th April 2013 when it will consider the medical and policy perspectives of Ireland&rsquo;s system of organ donation.]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-16392-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Wed, 24 Apr 2013 14:22:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[PAC to examine HSE financial statements]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Tony O&rsquo;Brien, Deputy CEO/Director General Designate of the HSE will come before the Committee of Public Accounts tomorrow, Thursday, 25th April 2013 when the committee will examine the HSE annual Financial Statements 2011.]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-16391-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Wed, 24 Apr 2013 14:16:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[EU Affairs Committee engages with prominent economists on future of EMU]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[NUIG economists Prof John McHale and Dr Alan Ahearne yesterday afternoon impressed on the Oireachtas Committee on European Union Affairs the need for bolder monetary and fiscal policy actions at EU level to secure economic recovery.]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-16386-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Wed, 24 Apr 2013 09:33:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Finance Sub-Committee to consider Central Bank (Supervision and Enforcement) Bill 2011]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Minister for Finance Michael Noonan TD will attend the meeting of the Sub-Committee on Finance, tomorrow, Wednesday, 24th April for the Committee Stage of the Central Bank (Supervision and Enforcement Bill 2011.]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-16385-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Tue, 23 Apr 2013 17:03:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Finance Committee to discuss April 2013 Fiscal Assessment Report]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform will discuss the Fiscal Assessment Report (April 2013) tomorrow Wednesday 24th April 2013 when it meets with representatives from the Irish Fiscal Advisory Council.]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-16384-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Tue, 23 Apr 2013 17:02:00 GMT</pubDate>
</item><item>
<title><![CDATA[Transport and Communications Committee resumes discussions on alcohol sponsorship]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Representatives from Federation of Irish Sport, the Drinks Industry Group of Ireland and Horse Racing Ireland will be before the Committee on Transport and Communications to discuss the implications of a possible ban on the sponsorship of major sporting events by alcohol drinks companies.]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-16380-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Tue, 23 Apr 2013 13:22:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Oireachtas Committee Chairman engages on Irish language issues in Northern Ireland]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Chairman of the Joint Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement Joe McHugh TD was in Belfast this morning for the launch of a publication on whether the promises for the language contained in the agreement are being met. ]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-16379-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Tue, 23 Apr 2013 13:01:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Cathaoirleach Coiste Oireachtais ag pl&eacute; le ceisteanna Gaeilge i dTuaisceart &Eacute;ireann ]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Bh&iacute; Cathaoirleach an Chomhchoiste um Fhorfheidhmi&uacute; Chomhaont&uacute; Aoine an Ch&eacute;asta, an Teachta Seosamh Mac Aodha, i mB&eacute;al Feirste maidin inniu chun freastal ar sheoladh foilseach&aacute;in ina bhf&eacute;achtar ar a mh&eacute;id at&aacute; na gealltanais at&aacute; sa chomhaont&uacute; i dtaca leis an teanga &aacute; gcomhl&iacute;onadh. ]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-16378-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Tue, 23 Apr 2013 12:53:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Foreign Affairs Committee to discuss work of GOAL and the Centre for Global Development]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade will discuss the work of aid agency GOAL and University College Cork&rsquo;s Centre for Global Development at its meeting tomorrow, Wednesday, 24th April 2013.]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-16375-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Tue, 23 Apr 2013 12:11:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Justice Committee to consider Defence Forces (Second World War Amnesty and Immunity) Bill 2012]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality will consider the Defence Forces (Second World War Amnesty and Immunity) Bill 2012 with Minister for Defence Alan Shatter tomorrow, Wednesday, 24th July, 2013.]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-16374-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Tue, 23 Apr 2013 12:03:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Justice Committee to consider value for money report on Reserve Defence Force
]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality will consider the Value for Money report on the Reserve Defence Force with the Minister for Defence Alan Shatter TD and also with also with representatives from the Reserve Defence Force Representative Association tomorrow, Wednesday 24th April 2013.]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-16373-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Tue, 23 Apr 2013 11:59:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Oireachtas Committee Chairman addresses conference on diversity in Northern Ireland]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Chairman of the Joint Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement Joe McHugh TD this morning delivered a keynote address on diversity at a conference in Armagh City. Organised by the Community Foundation for Northern Ireland, the Conference is entitled &lsquo;Supporting Communities Towards Diversity, Tolerance and Inclusion&rsquo;. ]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-16351-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Tue, 23 Apr 2013 10:07:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Environment Committee to continue hearings on the impact of flooding on communities]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The difficulties in getting home insurance for properties in areas that have experienced extreme weather events will again be the focus of the Committee on Environment, Culture and the Gaeltacht tomorrow, Tuesday, 22nd April 2013 when it meets with representatives of the Office of Public Works.]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-16350-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Mon, 22 Apr 2013 13:25:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Health Sub-Committee to consider Health Service Executive Governance Bill 2012]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Sub Committee on Health will consider the Health Service Executive Governance Bill 2012 at its meeting tomorrow, Tuesday, 23rd April 2013.]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-16349-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Mon, 22 Apr 2013 13:20:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Sub-Committee meets to consider 2013 revised estimates for public services]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Sub-Committee on Public Expenditure and Reform will consider the 2013 revised estimates for public services with Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform Brendan Howlin TD at its meeting tomorrow 23rd April 2013.
]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-16348-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Mon, 22 Apr 2013 13:10:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[EU Affairs Committee to consider evolving Economic and Monetary Union with leading economists]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Oireachtas Joint Committee on European Union Affairs will tomorrow afternoon meet with NUIG economists Prof John McHale and Dr Alan Ahearne to discuss the likely future course of Economic and Monetary Union and the implications for Ireland. ]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-16347-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Mon, 22 Apr 2013 12:55:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Agriculture Committee to meet with farming and food and drink industry representatives]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Oireachtas Joint Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine tomorrow continues its discussions on the relationship between supermarkets and primary and secondary food producers when it meets with representatives from the IBEC&rsquo;s Food and Drink Industry Ireland (FDII) and the Irish Farmers&rsquo; Association (IFA).]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-16346-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Mon, 22 Apr 2013 12:50:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[45 Transition Year Students take to the Seanad Chamber
]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Next Tuesday 23 April 2013, 45 Transition Year students will participate in the Inaugural Seanad &Eacute;ireann Transition Year Challenge in the Seanad Chamber.
]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-16345-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Fri, 19 Apr 2013 16:52:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Jobs Committee to hold regional meetings in Castlebar and Ballinasloe on black market &amp; problems facing retail sector]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The impact of the black economy on small business will be the focus of the Committee on Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation on Monday next, 22 April when a delegation of Committee Members meets with representatives from a range of local business groups in Castlebar and Ballinasloe. The Committee will hear presentations from the groups about local trading conditions and issues of concern to them. ]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-16344-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Fri, 19 Apr 2013 15:51:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Minister for Children to appear before Health Committee]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Francis Fitzgerald TD, will update the Committee on Health and Children on children and youth affairs at its meeting tomorrow, Friday, 19th April 2013.]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-16342-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Thu, 18 Apr 2013 17:12:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Agriculture Committee expresses deep concern about fodder shortage]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Oireachtas Joint Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine this morning expressed its concern about the ongoing fodder shortage, which is severely impacting on farmers in many areas the country. The scarcity in animal feed is as a result of poor weather in recent months. ]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-16341-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Thu, 18 Apr 2013 17:09:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Justice Committee to examine increase in incidents of domestic violence]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality yesterday agreed to examine the issue of domestic violence with a view to compiling a report with recommendations on what measures can be put in place to reduce domestic violence. Deputy Anne Ferris, who is Vice Chair of the Committee, was appointed as Rapporteur on the issue. ]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-16334-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Thu, 18 Apr 2013 12:32:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Finance Committee calls on banks to advertise charges at front door]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Banks should display a menu of their charges at their front doors so consumers can be aware of the costs of banking, according the Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform.]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-16333-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Wed, 17 Apr 2013 17:38:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Transport Committee to meet Minister of State on disability access plan]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Minister of State for Public and Commuter Transport Alan Kelly TD will be before the Committee on Transport and Communications to discuss a plan for accessibility improvements to the public transport system for people with disabilities.]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-16331-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Wed, 17 Apr 2013 15:35:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[PAC to examine Broadcasting Fund and financial accounts of BAI]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Broadcasting Fund, which is managed by the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI), the 2011 financial statements of the BAI, as well as the 2011 Appropriation Account of the Department of Communications are on the agenda of the Committee of Public Accounts when it meets with  tomorrow, Thursday, 18th April 2013.]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-16325-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Wed, 17 Apr 2013 15:01:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Health Committee to discuss organ donation]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[GAA football analyst, former player and now organ donation campaigner Joe Brolly will join with a number of individuals and groups, including the Irish Kidney Association, the Irish Heart and Lung Transplant Association and the National Organ Procurement Service, to discuss personal and advocacy perspectives of organ donation with the Committee on Health and Children tomorrow, Thursday 18th April 2013.]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-16323-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Wed, 17 Apr 2013 14:01:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Agriculture Committee to meet representatives from Aldi]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Oireachtas Joint Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine tomorrow continues its discussions on the relationship between supermarkets and primary and secondary food producers when it meets with representatives from Aldi.]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-16321-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Wed, 17 Apr 2013 11:32:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Cancellation of Finance Sub-Committee meetings]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The following two sub-committee meetings have been cancelled:]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-16320-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Wed, 17 Apr 2013 10:10:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Foreign Affairs Committee to meet Ugandan gay rights campaigner Kasha Jacqueline Nabagesera]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade will discuss the position of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex people in Uganda with Kasha Jacqueline Nabagesera, Executive Director of the human rights organisation Freedom and Roam Uganda at its meeting today, Wednesday, 17th April 2013.]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-16319-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Wed, 17 Apr 2013 09:39:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Environment Committee to discuss climate change with vulnerable communities in developing world]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Committee on Environment, Culture and the Gaeltacht will discuss the impact of climate change on vulnerable communities in the developing world at its meeting tomorrow, Wednesday, 17th April 2013.]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-16318-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Tue, 16 Apr 2013 17:37:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Education Committee to consider efforts to foster language learning ]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Joint Committee on Education and Social Protection will tomorrow consider multilingualism in an EU context with officials from the Department of Education and Skills. The officials are expected to outline the provision for languages that currently exist across the Irish education system. ]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-16317-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Tue, 16 Apr 2013 17:11:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Justice Committee to hear from Traveller groups on the issue of Traveller ethnicity
]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality will hear presentations from representatives from the Irish Traveller Movement and Pavee Point Travellers&rsquo; Centre at its meeting of tomorrow, Wednesday, 17th April 2013.]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-16316-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Tue, 16 Apr 2013 17:06:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Finance Committee to discuss banking charges with Central Bank and ISME]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[A review of banking charges in the Irish financial sector will be on the agenda of the Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform tomorrow, Wednesday 17th April 2013 when it meets with representatives from the Central Bank and business group ISME.]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-16313-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Tue, 16 Apr 2013 15:13:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Oireachtas Committee to continue consideration of petitions]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Joint Oireachtas Committee on Public Service Oversight and Petitions will tomorrow afternoon continue its consideration of petitions received from members of the public. ]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-16312-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Tue, 16 Apr 2013 13:53:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Transport and Communications Committee to continue discussions on alcohol sponsorship]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Representatives from Alcohol Action Ireland and the College of Psychiatrists of Ireland will be before the Committee on Transport and Communications to discuss the implications of a possible ban on the sponsorship of major sporting events by alcohol drinks companies.]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-16311-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Tue, 16 Apr 2013 12:28:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[EU Affairs Committee to discuss key policy targets with Government officials as part of new EU arrangements ]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Oireachtas Joint Committee on European Union Affairs will this afternoon discuss the draft update to the National Reform Programme for Ireland for 2013 with officials from the Department of the Taoiseach and a wide range of Government Departments. The document is a key input into the European Semester process for economic policy coordination. ]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-16310-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Tue, 16 Apr 2013 12:15:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Jobs Committee to discuss impact of black economy on small business with ISME and SFA]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The impact of the black economy on small business will be the focus of the Committee on Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation tomorrow, Tuesday, 16th April 2013 when it meets with representatives from business groups ISME and the Small Firms Association (SFA).]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-16303-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Mon, 15 Apr 2013 11:19:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Environment Committee to continue hearings on the impact of flooding on communities]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Committee on Environment, Culture and the Gaeltacht will continue with its hearings on the difficulties in getting home insurance for properties in areas that have experienced extreme weather events when it meets with &Eacute;amonn Downey, Interim President, Irish Claims Consultants Association and Mr Paul Kavanagh, Insurance Broker, Mc Carthy Insurance Group.]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-16302-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Mon, 15 Apr 2013 11:18:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Justice Committee to visit Glen of Imaal to review Defence Forces Mission Readiness Exercise]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[A delegation from the Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality will visit the Glen of Imaal, Co. Wicklow next Thursday, 18th April 2013 to review a Mission Readiness Exercise by the 108th Infantry Battalion which will be deployed on peacekeeping duties in Lebanon with the United Nations. ]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-16301-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Mon, 15 Apr 2013 09:48:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Oireachtas Committee hears realistic assessment of the Good Friday Agreement ]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Joint Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement today, 11th April, heard a realistic assessment of the Good Friday Agreement which marked its 15th anniversary this week.]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-16285-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Thu, 11 Apr 2013 16:25:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Oireachtas Committee Chairman marks 15th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement ]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Chairman of the Joint Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement today marked the 15th anniversary of the signing of the Good Friday Agreement. ]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-16279-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Wed, 10 Apr 2013 12:27:00 GMT</pubDate>
</item><item>
<title><![CDATA[Finance Committee to review EU&rsquo;s Annual Growth Survey 2013]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform will review the European Commission&rsquo;s Annual Growth Survey 2013 when it meets with officials from the European Commission Representation in Ireland tomorrow, Wednesday 10th April 2013.]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-16272-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Tue, 09 Apr 2013 14:20:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Finance Committee to discuss EU proposal to tackle banking crises]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[he Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform will meet with officials from the Department of Finance and from the Central Bank of Ireland tomorrow, Thursday, 4th April for scrutiny of EU legislative proposals COM(2012)280, a framework for the recovery and resolution of credit institutions and investment firms in the European Union.]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-16205-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Wed, 03 Apr 2013 12:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
</item><item>
<title><![CDATA[Health Committee to discuss State Dental Schemes with Irish Dental Association]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Committee on Health and Children will discuss State Dental Schemes tomorrow, Thursday, 28th March, 2013 when it meets with Fintan Hourihan, Chief Executive Officer, Irish Dental Association; Clare Dowling, Irish Dental Association Employment and Communications Officer; Andrew Bolas, President, Irish Dental Association and HSE Deputy Principal Dental Surgeon, Sligo; and Dr Peter Gannon, Chair, General Practitioners Committee.]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-16104-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Wed, 27 Mar 2013 16:40:00 GMT</pubDate>
</item><item>
<title><![CDATA[Oireachtas Committee to continue discussions on sustaining rural coastal and island communities]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Oireachtas Joint sub-Committee on Fisheries tomorrow morning continues its series of meetings aimed at exploring strategies for promoting sustainable coastal and island communities. ]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-16103-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Wed, 27 Mar 2013 16:22:00 GMT</pubDate>
</item><item>
<title><![CDATA[Derek Nolan TD elected Vice-Chairman of Committee on Public Service Oversight and Petitions ]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Derek Nolan TD has been elected Vice-Chairman of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Public Service Oversight and Petitions this afternoon. ]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-16102-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Wed, 27 Mar 2013 16:13:00 GMT</pubDate>
</item><item>
<title><![CDATA[Environment Committee seeks submissions on climate change bill]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Committee on Environment, Culture and the Gaeltacht is seeking submissions from interested individuals and groups on the Heads of the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Bill.]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-16101-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Wed, 27 Mar 2013 15:45:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Decarceration policy for non-violent prisoners needed to reduce prisoner numbers - Justice Committee ]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[A reductionist or &lsquo;decarceration&rsquo; strategy policy for non-violent prisoners should be adopted by the Government to reduce prison population numbers  by one-third over a 10 year period, a new report from the Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality.]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-16088-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Wed, 27 Mar 2013 11:06:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Oireachtas Committee to continue consideration of petitions and elect Vice-Chairman]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Joint Oireachtas Committee on Public Service Oversight and Petitions will tomorrow afternoon continue its consideration of petitions received from members of the public. Committee proceedings will commence with the election of a Vice-Chairman.]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-16085-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Wed, 27 Mar 2013 09:21:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Education Committee to consider whole school approaches to mental health and bullying]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Joint Committee on Education and Social Protection will tomorrow consider how best to bolster whole school approaches to mental health and bullying. Officials from the Department of Education and Skills and the Children's Mental Health Coalition will present to the Committee. ]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-16083-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Tue, 26 Mar 2013 17:42:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Transport and Communications Committee to meet FAI, GAA and IRFU on alcohol sponsorship]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The heads of Ireland&rsquo;s largest sporting organisations will be before the Committee on Transport and Communications to discuss the implications of a possible ban on the sponsorship of major sporting events by alcohol drinks companies.]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-16082-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Tue, 26 Mar 2013 17:14:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Justice Committee to discuss proposed EU regulation on insolvency]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality will discuss a Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Council Regulation (EC) No. 1346/2000 on insolvency proceedings with Minister for Justice and Equality Alan Shatter TD tomorrow, 27th March 2013.]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-16077-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Tue, 26 Mar 2013 15:47:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Communications Committee calls for enhanced role for Post Office network in delivery of government services]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Oireachtas Joint Committee on Transport and Communications this afternoon called for the potential of the post office network to assume responsibility for the processing of a range of Government services to be explored. ]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-16069-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Tue, 26 Mar 2013 15:12:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Sub-Committee on Public Expenditure and Reform to discuss National Lottery Bill]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform Brendan Howlin TD will appear before the Sub-Committee on Public Expenditure and Reform tomorrow, tomorrow, Wednesday, 27th March 2013 for the committee stage of the National Lottery Bill 2012.]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-16064-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Tue, 26 Mar 2013 14:53:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Justice Committee to launch report on penal reform
]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[You are invited to attend, or send a representative, to the launch of a Report on Penal Reform by the Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality in the A/V Room of Leinster House tomorrow, Wednesday, 27th March 2013 at 9.30am.]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-16052-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Tue, 26 Mar 2013 11:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[European parliamentarians discuss how to bolster EU&rsquo;s role in conflict prevention and resolution]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Members of the parliaments of EU Member States and the European Parliament met in Dublin Castle yesterday and today, 24 and 25 March, to discuss how the EU Member States can play a more coordinated role to assist conflict prevention in trouble spots in Africa and the Middle East. The Conference was also updated on the European Council on Defence 2013.]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-16039-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Mon, 25 Mar 2013 09:37:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Agriculture Committee to meet Tesco and Musgrave Group representatives ]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Oireachtas Joint Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine tomorrow continues its discussions on the relationship between supermarkets and primary and secondary food producers when it meets with representatives from Tesco and the Musgrave Group. ]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-16020-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Mon, 25 Mar 2013 13:03:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Jobs Committee to discuss Skillnets and ManagementWorks initiatives]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The effectiveness of the State-funded, enterprise-led training body, Skillnets, and its relevance to the current and future skills needs of enterprise and the workforce will be examined by the Committee on the Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation tomorrow, Tuesday, 26th March 2013.]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-16019-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Mon, 25 Mar 2013 12:13:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Environment Committee to meet Kildare County Council as part of hearings on flooding]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Representatives of Kildare County Council will attend the meeting of the Committee on Environment, Culture and the Gaeltacht tomorrow, 26th March 2013 as it continues with its hearings on the difficulties in getting home insurance for properties in areas that have experienced extreme weather events.]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-16018-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Mon, 25 Mar 2013 12:12:00 GMT</pubDate>
</item><item>
<title><![CDATA[Communications Committee to launch report on securing the future of the post office network ]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[You are invited to attend, or send a representative, to the launch of a report by the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Transport and Communications on promoting a sustainable future for Ireland&rsquo;s post office network. The report launch takes place tomorrow afternoon in the A/V Room in Leinster House. ]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-16017-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Mon, 25 Mar 2013 12:01:00 GMT</pubDate>
</item><item>
<title><![CDATA[Communications Committee to launch report on securing the future of the post office network ]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[You are invited to attend, or send a representative, to the launch of a report by the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Transport and Communications on promoting a sustainable future for Ireland&rsquo;s post office network. The report launch takes place tomorrow afternoon in the A/V Room in Leinster House. ]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-16016-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Mon, 25 Mar 2013 12:01:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Language Scheme of the Houses of the Oireachtas Service, 2012-2015
]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[
The first language scheme of the Houses of the Oireachtas Service has been approved by the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht. ]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-15933-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Fri, 22 Mar 2013 11:54:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Sc&eacute;im Teanga Sheirbh&iacute;s Thithe an Oireachtais, 2012-2015]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[T&aacute; an ch&eacute;ad sc&eacute;im teanga le Seirbh&iacute;s Thithe an Oireachtais daingnithe ag an Roinn Eala&iacute;on, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta.]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-15932-en.html]]></link>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-15932-en.html</guid>
<pubDate>Fri, 22 Mar 2013 11:36:00 GMT</pubDate>
</item><item>
<title><![CDATA[European parliamentarians to debate EU role in conflict prevention ]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Members of the parliaments of EU Member States and the European Parliament meet in Dublin Castle this Sunday and Monday, 24 and 25 March, to discuss how the EU can better contribute to conflict prevention in trouble spots in Africa and the Middle East and to discuss the European Council on Defence 2013.]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-15931-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Thu, 21 Mar 2013 17:16:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[System of external audit for Irish Aid needs help to improve standards&ndash; PAC report]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The system of external audit for Irish Aid needs help in order to improve standards and in order to provide more comprehensive coverage of the State&rsquo;s spend, according to a new report by the Committee of Public Accounts.]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-15930-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Thu, 21 Mar 2013 16:50:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[HSE must put in place procedures to collect income it is due &ndash; PAC report]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[At a time when it was under financial pressure, the HSE had failed to put procedures in place to collect the income it was due, according to a new report by the Committee of Public Accounts.]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-15929-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Thu, 21 Mar 2013 16:40:00 GMT</pubDate>
</item><item>
<title><![CDATA[Public Accounts Committee to launch reports on HSE and Irish Aid
]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[You are invited to attend, or send a representative, to the launch of two reports by the Committee of Public Accounts on the HSE and Irish Aid. The report launches take place today, Thursday, 21st March at 3pm in the A/V Room of Leinster House.]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-15918-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Thu, 21 Mar 2013 10:33:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Oireachtas Committee to continue discussions on sustaining rural coastal and island communities]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Oireachtas Joint Committee sub-Committee on Fisheries will tomorrow morning continue its discussions on promoting sustainable coastal and island communities.]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-15917-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Wed, 20 Mar 2013 17:30:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[EU Affairs Committee to discuss the European Youth Guarantee]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Oireachtas Joint Committee on European Union Affairs will tomorrow afternoon discuss the merits of the European Youth Guarantee. Last month, EU ministers committed to guarantee the offer of a new job, training or education for under-25s unemployed within four months of leaving school or being made redundant.]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-15915-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Wed, 20 Mar 2013 16:14:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Communications Committee to scrutinise series of EU legislative proposals]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Oireachtas Joint Committee on Transport and Communications tomorrow meets with Department Officials to further scrutinise a series of EU legislative proposals.]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-15914-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Wed, 20 Mar 2013 16:10:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Communications Committee concludes public hearings on social media with Google and Digital Rights Ireland]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Oireachtas Joint Committee on Transport and Communications this morning concluded its public hearings on the challenges facing individuals, families and communities from the rise of social media, including the challenges posed by cyber-bullying and online harassment.]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-15913-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Wed, 20 Mar 2013 16:09:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Health Committee continues hearings on childhood poverty]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Committee on Health and Children will meet with Moira O'Mara, Director, Department of Children and Youth Affairs, as well as officials from the Department of Social Protection and the Department of Social Protection, tomorrow, Thursday 21st March 2013 as part of its hearings on tackling childhood poverty.]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-15912-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Wed, 20 Mar 2013 15:39:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[PAC to examine accounts of Department of Justice and Chief State Solicitor&rsquo;s Office]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The 2011 Appropriation Accounts for Department of Justice and Equality and the Chief State Solicitor&rsquo;s Office will be discussed by the Committee of Public Accounts when it meets with the Secretary General, Department of Justice and Equality, Brian Purcell, and Eileen Creedon, Chief State Solicitor tomorrow, Thursday, 21st March 2013.]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-15909-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Wed, 20 Mar 2013 12:01:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Oireachtas Committee to commence debate on sustaining rural coastal and island communities]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Oireachtas Joint Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine will tomorrow afternoon hear from representatives from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine on the latest state of play in the Common Fisheries Policy talks.]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-15854-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Tue, 19 Mar 2013 16:15:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Finance Committee resumes hearings on FOI legislation]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform will resume its hearings on the General Scheme of the Freedom of Information Bill 2012 when it meets with meets with Ed Hammond of Britain&rsquo;s Centre for Public Scrutiny tomorrow Wednesday, 20th March, 2013. ]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-15850-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Tue, 19 Mar 2013 15:31:00 GMT</pubDate>
</item><item>
<title><![CDATA[Communications Committee to hear from Google and Digital Rights Ireland]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Oireachtas Joint Committee on Transport and Communications tomorrow continues its hearings on the challenges facing individuals, families and communities from the rise of social media, including the challenges posed by cyber-bullying and online harassment. Representatives from Google and Digital Rights Ireland will address the Committee.]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-15849-en.html]]></link>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-15849-en.html</guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 19 Mar 2013 15:04:00 GMT</pubDate>
</item><item>
<title><![CDATA[Social Protection Committee to consider recommendations on Child Benefit ]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Joint Committee on Education and Social Protection tomorrow meets with the Advisory Group on Tax and Social Welfare to discuss its report published last month. ]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-15839-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Tue, 19 Mar 2013 12:13:00 GMT</pubDate>
</item><item>
<title><![CDATA[Health Sub-Committee to discuss Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Bill]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Minister of State at the Department of Health with Responsibility for Primary Care Alex White TD will attend the Sub-Committee on Health today, Tuesday, 19th March 2013 for the committee stage of the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Bill 2012.]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-15836-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Tue, 19 Mar 2013 10:47:00 GMT</pubDate>
</item><item>
<title><![CDATA[Environment Committee to meet Irish Insurance Federation as part of hearings on flooding ]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Representatives from the Irish Insurance Federation (IIF) will attend the meeting of the Committee on Environment, Culture and the Gaeltacht today, Tuesday, 19th March 2013 as part of its ongoing hearings on the difficulties in getting home insurance for properties in areas that have experienced extreme weather events.]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-15833-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Tue, 19 Mar 2013 10:25:00 GMT</pubDate>
</item><item>
<title><![CDATA[Communications Committee discusses rural broadband delivery with regulator]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Oireachtas Joint Committee on Transport and Communications this morning engaged in wideranging discussion on broadband delivery with representatives from ComReg, the Commission for Communications Regulation.]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-15775-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Thu, 14 Mar 2013 11:50:00 GMT</pubDate>
</item><item>
<title><![CDATA[Justice Committee hears from newsagents on curbing black market trade]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality this afternoon met with the National Federation of Retail Newsagent, who outlined the impact of black market on their trade and offered proposed solutions to the problem.]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-15757-en.html]]></link>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-15757-en.html</guid>
<pubDate>Wed, 13 Mar 2013 17:47:00 GMT</pubDate>
</item><item>
<title><![CDATA[EU Affairs Committee meets prominent academics on Europe's future]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Oireachtas Joint Committee on European Union Affairs tomorrow afternoon continues its national debate on the future of the European Union with UCD academics Prof Brigid Laffan and Dr Gavin Barrett. ]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-15754-en.html]]></link>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-15754-en.html</guid>
<pubDate>Wed, 13 Mar 2013 16:37:00 GMT</pubDate>
</item><item>
<title><![CDATA[Finance Committee Chairman welcomes plan on mortgage arrears]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Chairman of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform Ciaran Lynch TD has this afternoon welcomed the announcement by Government setting out a strategy for the Irish banking sector to deal with mortgage holders in financial difficulty. ]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-15753-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Wed, 13 Mar 2013 16:26:00 GMT</pubDate>
</item><item>
<title><![CDATA[Communications Committee to hear from ComReg on Eircom's wholesale line rental pricing]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Oireachtas Joint Committee on Transport and Communications tomorrow meets with representatives from ComReg to consider Eircom&rsquo;s proposals on reducing its wholesale line rental. ]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-15745-en.html]]></link>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-15745-en.html</guid>
<pubDate>Wed, 13 Mar 2013 14:29:00 GMT</pubDate>
</item><item>
<title><![CDATA[Health Committee to continue hearings on childhood poverty ]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Committee on Health and Children will continue its series of hearings on tackling childhood poverty tomorrow, Thursday 14th March 2013 when it meets with Eleanor McClory, Chief Executive, Young Ballymun; Preparing for Life and Marian Quinn, Chief Executive Officer, Childhood Development Initiative.]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-15737-en.html]]></link>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-15737-en.html</guid>
<pubDate>Wed, 13 Mar 2013 12:50:00 GMT</pubDate>
</item><item>
<title><![CDATA[PAC to examine accounts of Department of Social Protection]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The 2011 Appropriation Account, the Social Insurance Fund Account 2011, welfare overpayments and fraud initiatives will be on the agenda of the Committee of Public Accounts when it meets with the Secretary General, Department of Social Protection, tomorrow, Thursday, 14th March 2013.]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-15731-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Wed, 13 Mar 2013 09:30:00 GMT</pubDate>
</item><item>
<title><![CDATA[Education Committee to meet with e-Learning providers]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Joint Committee on Education and Social Protection tomorrow meets with some of those at the forefront of digital learning in Ireland, meeting with a leading online college as well as a company that provides online workspace to assist learning in primary and secondary schools.]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-15730-en.html]]></link>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-15730-en.html</guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 12 Mar 2013 17:18:00 GMT</pubDate>
</item><item>
<title><![CDATA[Communications Committee to hear from Anti-Bullying campaigners]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Oireachtas Joint Committee on Transport and Communications tomorrow continues its hearings on the challenges facing individuals, families and communities from the rise of social media, including the challenges posed by cyber-bullying and online harassment.
]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-15729-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Tue, 12 Mar 2013 17:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Jobs Committee hears that parking and black market trade are major issues for retailers]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Restrictive parking policies in town centres and black market trade are having a major impact on retailers, the Committee on Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation was told today, Tuesday, 12th March 2013.]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-15728-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Tue, 12 Mar 2013 16:24:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Justice Committee to discuss black market with National Federation of Retail Newsagents]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality will discuss the black market in Ireland and consider proposed solutions to the problem when it meets with representatives from the National Federation of Retail Newsagents tomorrow, 13th March 2013.]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-15727-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Tue, 12 Mar 2013 14:45:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[EU Committee Chairs consider progress on CAP and CFP negotiations ]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Chairs of the Agriculture and Fisheries Committees from the parliaments of EU Member States met in Dublin Castle today Monday 11 March, to engage with EU Commissioners and Minister Simon Coveney on the future of the Common Agricultural and Fisheries Policies. ]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-15662-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Mon, 11 Mar 2013 16:18:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Health Committee to begin hearings on childhood poverty]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Committee on Health and Children will begin a series of hearings on tackling childhood poverty tomorrow, Tuesday, 12th March 2013 when it meets with Toby Wolfe, Acting Director, Startstrong; June Tinsley, Policy Officer, Barnardos; and Stuart Duffin, Director of Policy and Programmes, One Family.]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-15661-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Mon, 11 Mar 2013 16:12:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Jobs Committee to discuss retail issues with RGDATA]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The issues facing retailers will be the focus of the Committee on Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation tomorrow, Tuesday, 12th March 2013 when it meets with Tara Buckley, Director General of retailer organisation RGDATA.]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-15655-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Mon, 11 Mar 2013 14:33:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Environment Committee resumes hearings on impact of flooding on communities]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Committee on Environment, Culture and the Gaeltacht will resume its hearings on the difficulties in getting home insurance for properties in areas that have experienced extreme weather events tomorrow, Tuesday 12th March, 2013.]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-15644-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Mon, 11 Mar 2013 11:59:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Ceann Comhairle Sean Barrett TD expresses his sympathy to the family of the late Dr. John O&rsquo;Connell]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Ceann Comhairle Se&aacute;n Barrett TD has expressed his sincere sympathy to the family of  former Ceann Comhairle  Dr. John O&rsquo;Connell who passed away peacefully earlier this morning.]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-15637-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Fri, 08 Mar 2013 10:48:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[EU Affairs Committee continues debate on Europe's future with Dublin MEPs ]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Oireachtas Joint Committee on European Union Affairs yesterday afternoon continued its national debate on the future of the European Union with Dublin MEPs Gay Mitchell, Emer Costello and Paul Murphy. ]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-15636-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Fri, 08 Mar 2013 10:15:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Communications Committee hears detailed briefing from Facebook and Twitter representatives]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Oireachtas Joint Committee on Transport and Communications this morning continued its hearings on the challenges facing individuals, families and communities from the rise of social media, including the challenges posed by cyber-bullying and online harassment. ]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-15626-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Thu, 07 Mar 2013 15:09:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[EU Agriculture Committee Chairs to consider CAP, CFP and supports for young farmers]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Chairs of the Agriculture and Fisheries Committees from the parliaments of EU Member States meet in Dublin Castle this Monday 11 March, to engage with EU Commissioners and Minister Simon Coveney on the future of the Common Agriculture and Fisheries Policies. ]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-15624-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Thu, 07 Mar 2013 13:58:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Oireachtas Committee hears from Secretary General of Department Of Health on termination of disability schemes ]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Joint Oireachtas Committee on Public Service Oversight and Petitions this afternoon engaged with the Secretary General at the Department of Health and Children, Dr Ambrose McLoughlin on the decision by his Department to end the Mobility Allowance Scheme and the Motorised Transport Grant.]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-15617-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Wed, 06 Mar 2013 19:13:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Communications Committee to hear from Facebook and Twitter representatives]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Oireachtas Joint Committee on Transport and Communications tomorrow continues its hearings on the challenges facing individuals, families and communities from the rise of social media, including the challenges posed by cyber-bullying and online harassment. ]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-15611-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Wed, 06 Mar 2013 16:35:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Health Committee to HSE 2013 service plan and medical cards with HSE Director General designate]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Health Service Executive National Service Plan 2013 and issues relating to medical cards will be on the agenda of the Committee on Health and Children tomorrow, Thursday, 7th March 2013 when it meets with Tony O&rsquo;Brien, director general designate of the Health Service Executive (HSE).]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-15609-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Wed, 06 Mar 2013 15:46:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Department of Finance to attend PAC meeting]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The 2011 Appropriation Account and 2011 Finance Accounts will be on the agenda of the Committee of Public Accounts when it meets with officials from Department of Finance tomorrow, Thursday, 7th March 2013. ]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-15608-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Wed, 06 Mar 2013 14:48:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[New National State mentoring group necessary &ndash; Jobs Committee Report ]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[A new national state mentoring group to support new and existing businesses should be formed which would combine the current responsibilities of Enterprise Ireland and local state enterprise support agencies and sector specific support groups, according to a new report, Exploring a New Approach to Providing Mentor Services for the Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) Sector in Ireland, by the Committee on Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation.]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-15605-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Wed, 06 Mar 2013 14:24:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[EU Affairs Committee to hear from MEPs on Europe's future]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Oireachtas Joint Committee on European Union Affairs continues its national debate on the future of the European Union tomorrow afternoon with Dublin MEPs Gay Mitchell, Emer Costello and Paul Murphy. ]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-15604-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Wed, 06 Mar 2013 12:56:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Foreign Affairs Committee to discuss motion on the case of Sergei Magnitsky]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The meetings with the Irish Abroad Unit in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and Connect Ireland with the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade today, scheduled for today, Wednesday, 6th March have been cancelled and may be rescheduled for a later date. The Committee will discuss a motion on the case of Sergei Magnitsky. The meeting will start in Committee Room 1, Leinster House at 2.30pm on Wednesday, 6th March 2013.]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-15601-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Wed, 06 Mar 2013 12:42:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Agriculture Committee discusses pressure on pricing with supermarket representatives]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Oireachtas Joint Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine this afternoon heard from representatives of RGDATA and Retail Ireland on the challenges in the relationship between supermarkets and primary and secondary food producers.]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-15598-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Tue, 05 Mar 2013 18:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Oireachtas Committee to meet Secretary General of Department Of Health to discuss termination of disability schemes ]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Secretary General at the Department of Health and Children, Dr Ambrose McLoughlin will appear before the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Public Service Oversight and Petitions tomorrow afternoon to consider last week&rsquo;s decision by his Department to end the Mobility Allowance Scheme and the Motorised Transport Grant.]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-15590-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Tue, 05 Mar 2013 16:47:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Finance Sub-Committee to consider the Finance Bill 2013]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Minister for Finance Michael Noonan TD will attend the meeting of the Select sub-Committee on Finance tomorrow, Wednesday, 6th March 2013, Thursday 7th March and Friday 8th March for the committee stage of the Finance Bill 2013.]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-15561-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Tue, 05 Mar 2013 15:06:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Communications Committee to commence public hearings on Social Media]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Oireachtas Joint Committee on Transport and Communications will tomorrow morning commence its public hearings on challenges facing individuals, families and communities from the rise of social media, including the challenges posed by cyber-bullying and online harassment. ]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-15545-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Tue, 05 Mar 2013 13:58:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Education and Social Protection Committee to hear from leading anti-poverty campaigners]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Joint Committee on Education and Social Protection tomorrow meets with representatives from the European Anti-Poverty Network to discuss a new fund being set up Europe-wide to combat income inequality and poverty. EAPN Ireland is made up of over two hundred local, regional and national anti-poverty organisations and individuals.  ]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-15544-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Tue, 05 Mar 2013 13:55:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Agriculture Committee to meet supermarket representatives]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Oireachtas Joint Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine tomorrow meets with representatives from RGDATA and Retail Ireland to discuss the relationship between multiples and producers.]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-15540-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Mon, 04 Mar 2013 15:59:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Health Committee to discuss employment conditions of non consultant hospital doctors with HSE and IMO]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The employment conditions of non consultant hospital doctors will be the focus of the Committee on Health and Children tomorrow, Tuesday, 5th March 2013 when it meets with representatives from the Irish Medical Organisation and the Health Service Executive.]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-15539-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Mon, 04 Mar 2013 16:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Justice Committee delegation to attend IPU conference on strategies to tackle violence against women
]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality Chair David Stanton TD and Vice Chair Anne Ferris TD will tomorrow attend a conference hosted by the Inter-Parliamentary Union and the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women) which will focus on parliamentary strategies for tackling violence against women and girls.]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-15518-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Mon, 04 Mar 2013 14:30:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[EU Affairs Committee to meet with T&aacute;naiste on EU budgetary coordination  ]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Oireachtas Joint Committee on European Union Affairs will meet the T&aacute;naiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Eamon Gilmore TD tomorrow afternoon Tuesday 5 March.]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-15500-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Mon, 04 Mar 2013 12:15:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Deis ag dalta&iacute; a gcuid a r&aacute; agus Seachtain na Gaeilge &aacute; com&oacute;radh ag Coiste Oireachtais]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Tabharfar deis do dhalta&iacute; scoile dara leibh&eacute;al a smaointe a nochtadh do na polaiteoir&iacute; an tseachtain seo i dTeach Laighean &ndash; agus is as Gaeilge a dh&eacute;anfaidh siad &eacute;.  ]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-15491-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Mon, 04 Mar 2013 11:38:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Students have their say as Oireachtas Committee marks Seachtain na Gaeilge
]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Second-level students will get a chance to tell politicians what they think this week in Leinster House &ndash; and they&rsquo;ll be doing it as Gaeilge.  
]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-15490-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Mon, 04 Mar 2013 11:36:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Report launch on a new approach to providing mentor services to SMEs]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[You are invited to attend, or send a representative, to the launch of a report by the Committee on Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation on Exploring a New Approach to Providing Mentor Services for the Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) Sector in Ireland. It takes place on Wednesday, 6th March at 1.30pm in the A/V Room of Leinster House.]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-15489-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Mon, 04 Mar 2013 11:11:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[EU Affairs Committee discusses Ireland&rsquo;s place in an evolving EU with leading commentators ]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Leading journalists were before the Oireachtas Joint Committee on European Union Affairs for a wideranging discussion which centred on how Ireland can best manage the challenges presented in an evolving European Union.]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-15475-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Thu, 28 Feb 2013 17:54:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Cross-border retail strategy needed to sustain trade in border areas - Environment Committee report]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[A cross-border retail strategy should be developed to help sustain trade in border areas, according to a new report from the Committee on Environment, Culture and the Gaeltacht.]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-15471-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Thu, 28 Feb 2013 13:32:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[EU Affairs Committee to hear from leading journalists on Europe's future]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Oireachtas Joint Committee on European Union Affairs continues its national debate on the future of the European Union tomorrow afternoon with RTE&rsquo;s Sean Whelan, Dan O&rsquo;Brien of the Irish Times and Ann Cahill of the Irish Examiner. ]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-15463-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Wed, 27 Feb 2013 18:06:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Oireachtas Committee to call Secretary General of Department Of Health to discuss suspension of disability schemes ]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Joint Oireachtas Committee on Public Service Oversight and Petitions this afternoon agreed to call the Secretary General at the Department of Health and Children, Dr Ambrose McLoughlin, before it to discuss the decision last night to end the Mobility Allowance Scheme and the Motorised Transport Grant.]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-15462-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Wed, 27 Feb 2013 18:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Health Committee to discuss the establishment of the Child and Family Support Agency]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Committee on Health and Children will discuss the establishment of the Child and Family support Agency at its meeting tomorrow, Thursday, 28th February 2013.
]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-15461-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Wed, 27 Feb 2013 17:14:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Justice Committee hears from User Voice Founder Mark Johnson on penal reform]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality today, Wednesday, 27th February, heard a stimulating and interesting presentation from Mark Johnson, Founder, User Voice who outlined his vision for penal reform.]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-15460-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Wed, 27 Feb 2013 17:13:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Finance Committee calls for change in protocols in banks&rsquo; credit review processes]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure has today, Wednesday, 27th February, called for a review of protocols in banks&rsquo; credit review processes to address the deficit of information on the Credit Review Office provided to customers who have been refused credit.]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-15459-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Wed, 27 Feb 2013 16:42:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Transport Committee engages with Chairman Designate on vision for Port of Cork ]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport and Communications today met with John Mullins, Chairman Designate of the Port of Cork, who outlined his vision in his proposed role. ]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-15456-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Wed, 27 Feb 2013 15:54:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Agriculture Committee to consider motion on Diseases of Animals Act with Minister]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Oireachtas Joint Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine tomorrow meets with Minister for Agriculture Simon Coveney to consider a motion on extending provisions of the Diseases of Animals Act.  ]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-15454-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Wed, 27 Feb 2013 14:06:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[PAC to examine Department of Education financial statements]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Committee of Public Accounts will consider the financial statements of the Department of Education and Skills when it meets with the Department&rsquo;s Secretary General Se&aacute;n &Oacute; Foghl&uacute;, tomorrow, 27th February, 2013. ]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-15453-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Wed, 27 Feb 2013 13:29:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Agriculture Committee hears farmers groups advocate flexibility on use of commonage lands]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Oireachtas Joint Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine this afternoon heard farmers organisations call for greater flexibility for farmers on commonage lands.]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-15448-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Tue, 26 Feb 2013 17:17:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Foreign Affairs Committee to discuss Irish EU Presidency priorities with Amnesty International Ireland and Sergei Magnitsky case]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Executive Director of Amnesty International Ireland Colm O&rsquo;Gorman will address the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade tomorrow, Wednesday 27th February, 2013 on his organisation&rsquo;s recommendations to the Irish EU Presidency.]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-15447-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Tue, 26 Feb 2013 16:51:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Transport Committee to meet Port of Cork Chairman Designate]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport and Communications will tomorrow meet with John Mullins, Chairman Designate of the Port of Cork.]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-15446-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Tue, 26 Feb 2013 16:18:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Justice Committee resumes hearings on penal reform]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality will resume its hearings on penal reform tomorrow, Wednesday, 27th February 2013 when it meets with Mark Johnson, Founder, User Voice.]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-15443-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Tue, 26 Feb 2013 15:09:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Environment Sub-Committee to discuss Water Services Bill 2013 ]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Minister of State for the NewEra Project Fergus O&rsquo;Dowd TD will attend the Sub-Committee on Environment, Community and Local Government tomorrow, Wednesday, 27th February, 2013.]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-15442-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Tue, 26 Feb 2013 14:28:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Oireachtas Committee to consider wide-ranging series of petitions]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Joint Oireachtas Committee on Public Service Oversight and Petitions will tomorrow afternoon continue its consideration of petitions received from members of the public. ]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-15441-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Tue, 26 Feb 2013 13:58:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Finance Committee Chairs consider longer term challenges for the EU ]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Chairs of the Finance Committees from the parliaments of EU Member States today engaged in wideranging discussion with Commissioners, Ministers and leading academics on fostering better integration growth and budgetary control. Oireachtas Finance Committee Chair Ciaran Lynch TD, who is hosting the meeting, pointed to the need for Europe to look beyond the shorter term goals of overcoming the current financial challenges. He argued that the longer term goals, such as energy security, reducing youth unemployment and the sustainability of the European social model needed to be central to disussions. ]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-15440-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Mon, 25 Feb 2013 16:02:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Environment Committee to continue hearings on the impact of flooding on communities]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Committee on Environment, Culture and the Gaeltacht will continues its hearings on the impact of flooding on communities around the country when it meets with the Irish Rural Dwellers Association tomorrow, Tuesday, 26th February, 2013.]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-15432-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Mon, 25 Feb 2013 14:37:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Jobs Committee to discuss Action Plan for Jobs with Minister Bruton]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation Richard Bruton TD will appear before the Committee on Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation tomorrow, Tuesday, 26th February, 2013 to discuss the outcome of the Action Plan for Jobs 2012 and details of the Action Plan for Jobs 2013.]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-15431-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Mon, 25 Feb 2013 14:36:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[ Agriculture Committee to meet farmers groups on commonage lands ]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Oireachtas Joint Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine will tomorrow afternoon meet with representatives from the Irish Farmers' Association and the United Farmers Association to discuss proposals to ensure good agricultural and environmental practices on farms. It is part of a continuing series of meetings the Committee is hosting on the use of commonage lands. ]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-15427-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Mon, 25 Feb 2013 11:26:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Leading economists address inaugural debate on Ireland and the future of the European Union]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Oireachtas Joint Committee on European Union Affairs this afternoon heard economists from TASC and UCC discuss the implications for Ireland of an evolving economic and monetary union. This was inaugural meeting of a national debate the Committee is leading on Ireland and the European Union during the Irish Presidency. ]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-15404-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Thu, 21 Feb 2013 18:47:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[European Finance Committee Chairs to consider strategies for integration, growth and budgetary control ]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Chairs of the Finance Committees from the parliaments of EU Member States meet in Dublin Castle on Monday 25 February to engage with Commissioners, Ministers and leading academics on fostering better integration growth and budgetary control. ]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-15384-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Thu, 21 Feb 2013 13:41:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Have your say: Communications Committee invites submissions on Social Media]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Oireachtas Joint Committee on Transport and Communications this afternoon launched a public consultation on challenges facing individuals, families and communities from the rise of social media, including the challenges posed by cyber-bullying and online harassment.]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-15383-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Thu, 21 Feb 2013 12:43:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Oireachtas Committee to discuss Bill of Rights for Northern Ireland]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Joint Oireachtas Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement tomorrow meets with representatives from the Irish Congress of Trade Unions and the Human Rights Consortium to discuss a Bill of Rights for Northern Ireland.]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-15378-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Wed, 20 Feb 2013 18:12:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Leading economists to address EU Affairs Committee on Europe's future]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Oireachtas Joint Committee on European Union Affairs will meet with economists from TASC and UCC tomorrow afternoon to discuss the implications for Ireland of an evolving economic and monetary union.]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-15377-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Wed, 20 Feb 2013 18:01:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Health Committee to discuss health insurance with insurers]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Committee on Health and Children will discuss health insurance when it meets with representatives of Health Insurance Authority, Voluntary Health Insurance, Aviva Health Insurance, Glo Health and Laya Healthcare tomorrow, Thursday, 21st February 2013.]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-15376-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Wed, 20 Feb 2013 17:36:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Agriculture Committee to meet with Department Officials on CAP and CFP ]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Oireachtas Joint Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine tomorrow meets with officials from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, who will update the Committee on EU developments over the past six months.]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-15372-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Wed, 20 Feb 2013 16:10:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[PAC to examine Revenue Commissioners financial statements]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Committee of Public Accounts will consider the financial statements of the Revenue Commissioners when it meets with Josephine Feehily, Chairman, Office of the Revenue Commissioners, tomorrow, 21st February, 2013. ]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-15371-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Wed, 20 Feb 2013 15:10:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Communications Committee hears calls for enhanced public funding to independent radio sector]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport and Communications met with representatives of Independent Broadcasters of Ireland, who called for what they see as greater balance in how public funding for broadcasting nationally. ]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-15370-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Wed, 20 Feb 2013 14:31:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Justice Committee visits the Bar Council of Ireland
]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[A delegation from the Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality today, Wednesday, 20th February, visited the Bar Council of Ireland and the Law Library.]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-15369-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Wed, 20 Feb 2013 14:18:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Seanad Committee to discuss Social Entrepreneurship with leading practitioners]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Seanad Public Consultation Committee is this Thursday hosting a session on social entrepreneurship with leading figures in the field. Representatives from Ashoka Ireland, Social Entrepreneurs Ireland, the One Foundation and Women for Election will address the topic &quot;Making change in Ireland through social entrepreneurship&quot;.]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-15309-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Tue, 19 Feb 2013 17:16:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[British Irish Chamber of Commerce to discuss trade promotion with Foreign Affairs Committee ]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The British Irish Chamber of Commerce will attend the meeting of the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade tomorrow, Wednesday 20th February, 2013 as part of the Committee&rsquo;s hearings into the role and contribution of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade to trade promotion and economic recovery.]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-15308-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Tue, 19 Feb 2013 17:18:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Finance Committee to discuss credit provision with John Trethowan of the Credit Review Office]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Head of the Credit Review Office John Trethowan will appear before the Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform tomorrow Wednesday, 20th February, 2013 to discuss credit provision to the business sector and the wider economy. ]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-15301-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Tue, 19 Feb 2013 16:58:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Communications Committee to meet with independent broadcasters]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport and Communications will tomorrow hear from representatives of Independent Broadcasters of Ireland, who will discuss their proposals for the creation of a what they consider to be a fairer broadcasting sector that serves the whole community and how public monies can best be spent to achieve that goal.]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-15300-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Tue, 19 Feb 2013 16:04:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Social Protection Committee to examine welfare appeals backlog]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Joint Committee on Education and Social Protection will tomorrow meet with officials from the Department of Social Protection on the steps being taken to alleviate the delays in the processing of social welfare appeals. ]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-15299-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Tue, 19 Feb 2013 15:57:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Ireland should establish a Youth Guarantee - Jobs Committee report]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Ireland should establish a Youth Guarantee in the shortest possible timeframe to help tackle the serious problem of youth and long-term unemployment, according to a new report from the Committee on Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation.]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-15295-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Tue, 19 Feb 2013 14:18:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Agriculture Committee to continue discussions on use of commonage lands]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Oireachtas Joint Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine will this afternoon meet with officials from the Department of Agriculture and the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) to discuss proposals to ensure good agricultural and environmental practices on farms. ]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-15292-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Tue, 19 Feb 2013 09:34:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Jobs Committee to discuss ICT developments with Open Ireland]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Committee on Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation will meet tomorrow, Tuesday, 19th February, 2013 to discuss its report A Review of the ICT skills Demand in Ireland and future developments in the ICT Sector with Sean O&rsquo;Sullivan, Open Ireland.]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-15284-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Mon, 18 Feb 2013 14:23:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Media Invite: Report launch on actions to address youth and long-term unemployment]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[You are invited to attend, or send a representative, to the launch of a report by Committee on Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation on Creating Policies that Work &ndash; Actions to Address Youth and Long-Term Unemployment. It takes place on Tuesday, 19th February at 12.15pm in the A/V Room of Leinster House.]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-15283-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Mon, 18 Feb 2013 14:20:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Have your say: Ireland and the future of the European Union]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Oireachtas Joint Committee on European Union Affairs has this afternoon launched a national debate on Ireland and the future of the European Union. ]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-15253-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Fri, 15 Feb 2013 16:51:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Education Committee assesses progress on digital literacy ]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Joint Committee on Education and Social Protection today met Department of Education Officials for a wide ranging discussion on how digital literacy can be best embedded across the school curriculum.]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-15208-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Wed, 13 Feb 2013 17:50:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Agriculture Committee to meet Chairmen Designate of the Irish National Stud and Horse Racing Ireland]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Oireachtas Joint Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine will tomorrow meet with Matt Dempsey, Chairman Designate of the Irish National Stud and Joe Keeling, Chairman Designate of Horse Racing Ireland. ]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-15207-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Wed, 13 Feb 2013 17:24:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Transport Committee to meet with taxi drivers on Taxi Regulation Bill]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport and Communications will tomorrow hear observations from Tiom&aacute;na&iacute; Tacsa&iacute; na h&Eacute;ireann on the Taxi Regulation Bill 2012.]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-15206-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Wed, 13 Feb 2013 16:20:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Transport Committee to make political contribution on proposed EU regulations on road-worthiness]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport and Communications this afternoon agreed to make a political contribution to the European Commission, the European Parliament, Irish MEPs and to the Minister for Transport on Commission proposals aimed at bolstering the roadworthiness of vehicles.]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-15205-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Wed, 13 Feb 2013 16:16:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Operation Transformation experts to address Health Committee on tackling obesity]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The panel of experts from RT&Eacute;&rsquo;s Operation Transformation will address the Committee on Health and Children on measures to tackle obesity tomorrow, Thursday, 14th February 2013.
]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-15204-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Wed, 13 Feb 2013 15:30:00 GMT</pubDate>
</item><item>
<title><![CDATA[Finance Committee Chairman meets German Deputy Finance Minister]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Chairman of Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform Ciar&aacute;n Lynch TD today had an informal meeting with German Deputy Finance Minister Steffen Kampeter in Leinster House today, Tuesday 12th February.]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-15195-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Tue, 12 Feb 2013 20:02:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Transport Committee to discuss proposed EU regulations on road-worthiness]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport and Communications will tomorrow hear a wide range of opinion on European Commission proposals aimed at bolstering the roadworthiness of vehicles.]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-15184-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Tue, 12 Feb 2013 17:18:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Education Committee to consider progress on digital literacy skills ]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Joint Committee on Education and Social Protection will tomorrow consider digital literacy with officials from the Department of Education and Skills.]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-15181-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Tue, 12 Feb 2013 17:15:00 GMT</pubDate>
</item><item>
<title><![CDATA[Foreign Affairs Committee to discuss the role of Dept of Foreign Affairs in trade promotion with Chambers Ireland]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade will resume its hearings into the role and contribution of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade to trade promotion and economic recovery when it meets with representatives of Chambers Ireland tomorrow, Wednesday, 13th February 2013.]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-15158-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Tue, 12 Feb 2013 15:53:00 GMT</pubDate>
</item><item>
<title><![CDATA[Oireachtas Committee to continue consideration of petitions]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Joint Oireachtas Committee on Public Service Oversight and Petitions will tomorrow afternoon continue its consideration of petitions received from members of the public. ]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-15146-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Tue, 12 Feb 2013 13:51:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Agriculture Committee to continue discussions on use of commonage lands]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Oireachtas Joint Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine will tomorrow meet with officials Teagasc to discuss proposals to ensure good agricultural and environmental practices on farms.]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-15131-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Mon, 11 Feb 2013 13:27:00 GMT</pubDate>
</item><item>
<title><![CDATA[Jobs Committee to discuss developing rural jobs strategy with environment minister]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Committee on Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation will meet with Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government Phil Hogan TD tomorrow, Tuesday, 12th February, 2013 to discuss maintaining and supporting rural communities and developing an employment strategy to sustain such communities.]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-15130-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Mon, 11 Feb 2013 12:44:00 GMT</pubDate>
</item><item>
<title><![CDATA[IFA to attend Environment Committee to discuss impact of flooding on farmers]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The problems and difficulties encountered by farmers due to flooding will take centre stage at the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Environment, Culture and the Gaeltacht tomorrow, Tuesday, 12th February 2013 when it meets with representatives of the Irish Farmers&rsquo; Association.]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-15128-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Mon, 11 Feb 2013 11:57:00 GMT</pubDate>
</item><item>
<title><![CDATA[Call for Submissions: Managing Back to School Costs]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Vice-Chair of the Education and Social Protection Committee, Aodh&aacute;n &Oacute; R&iacute;ord&aacute;in TD, in conjunction with the Members of the Joint Committee, is compiling a report on the prohibitive costs for parents sending their children to primary and secondary school.]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-15118-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Thu, 07 Feb 2013 13:55:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Oireachtas Committee to help contribute to solution on Ombudsman concerns]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Joint Oireachtas Committee on Public Service Oversight and Petitions this afternoon met with Minister for Health James Reilly TD and Minister of State Kathleen Lynch TD to consider Ombudsman criticisms of the Department of Health for not implementing recommendations by her office.]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-15104-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Wed, 06 Feb 2013 19:09:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Finance Committee to continue hearings on FOI legislation ]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform will continue its hearings on the General Scheme of the Freedom of Information Bill 2012 tomorrow, Thursday, 7th February 2013 when it meets with representatives from National Newspapers of Ireland (NNI).]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-15103-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Wed, 06 Feb 2013 17:23:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Health Committee to discuss lung health promotion with Irish Lung Health Alliance]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Committee on Health and Children will discuss measures to improve lung health when it meets with representatives from the Irish Lung Health Alliance tomorrow, Thursday, 7th February 2013.]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-15102-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Wed, 06 Feb 2013 16:06:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[PAC to examine transport, roads and tourism expenditure]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Committee of Public Accounts will consider the financial statements of the National Roads Authority and expenditure by the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport when it meets with Fred Barry, chief executive of the National Roads Authority and the Secretary General of the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport, tomorrow, 7th February, 2103. ]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-15101-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Wed, 06 Feb 2013 15:42:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Report highlights how lifestyle change can help reduce cancer rates]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Seanad Public Consultation Committee has today called on the Minister for Health to develop a national physical activity plan for all age groups, including the extension of bike/walking schemes and to ensure that this plan is central to urban and rural planning.]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-15095-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Wed, 06 Feb 2013 13:15:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Agriculture Committee hears from Minister and FSAI on content of burgers]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Oireachtas Joint Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine this afternoon received a detailed briefing on the on-going investigation into the authenticity of beef burgers.  ]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-15089-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Tue, 05 Feb 2013 19:04:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Environment Sub-Committee to discuss Electoral (Amendment) (D&aacute;il Constituencies) Bill 2012]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government Phil Hogan TD will attend the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Environment, Culture and the Gaeltacht tomorrow, Wednesday 6th February 2013 for the committee stage of the Electoral (Amendment) (D&aacute;il Constituencies) Bill 2012.]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-15088-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Tue, 05 Feb 2013 17:42:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Finance Committee to resume hearings on FOI legislation]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform will resume its hearings on the General Scheme of the Freedom of Information Bill 2012 when it meets with a number of interested stakeholders tomorrow, Wednesday, 6th February 2013.]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-15087-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Tue, 05 Feb 2013 17:40:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Transport Committee to hear concerns on proposed new rules for flying hours ]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport and Communications will tomorrow meet with the representatives from the Irish Airline Pilots&rsquo; Association, who will discuss the European Aviation Safety Agency&rsquo;s proposed new rules on Flight and Duty Time Limitations.]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-15086-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Tue, 05 Feb 2013 17:06:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Oireachtas Committee to hear from Minister for Health on Ombudsman concerns]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Joint Oireachtas Committee on Public Service Oversight and Petitions will tomorrow meet with the Minister for Health James Reilly TD]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-15085-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Tue, 05 Feb 2013 17:02:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Justice Committee continues hearings on prostitution legislation]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality will continue its hearings on submissions received in relation to the review of prostitution legislation tomorrow, Wednesday 6th February 2013 when it meets with the editor of RT&Eacute;&rsquo;s Investigations Unit Paul Maguire and representatives of An Garda S&iacute;och&aacute;na.]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-15084-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Tue, 05 Feb 2013 16:29:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Cathaoirleach of Seanad &Eacute;ireann, Senator Paddy Burke acknowledges contribution of Senator Martin McAleese following his resignation.
]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Cathaoirleach of Seanad &Eacute;ireann, Senator Paddy Burke today informed the Seanad that he had received a letter from Senator Martin McAleese informing him of his resignation of membership of Seanad Eireann. This letter was then read into the record of the House. ]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-15083-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Tue, 05 Feb 2013 16:18:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Foreign Affairs Committee to meet with Stavros Lambrinidis, EU Special Representative for Human Rights]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The EU Special Representative for Human Rights Stavros Lambrinidis will address the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade at its meeting tomorrow, Wednesday, 6th February 2013.]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-15082-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Tue, 05 Feb 2013 16:14:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Social Protection Committee to consider lack of transparency in pension charges ]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Joint Committee on Education and Social Protection will tomorrow consider an important report on pension charges with officials from the Department of Social Protection. ]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-15080-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Tue, 05 Feb 2013 13:06:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Report launch on curbing cancer through lifestyle change]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[You are invited to attend, or send a representative, to the launch of a report by the Seanad Public Consultation Committee on how policy can drive change in lifestyle which, in turn, reduces cancer rates. It takes place on Wednesday, 6 February at 12 noon in the A/V Room of Leinster House.]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-15070-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Mon, 04 Feb 2013 16:53:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Health Sub-Committee to discuss Public Health (Tobacco) (Amendment) Bill 2013 with Minister]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Minister for Health James Reilly TD will attend the Sub-Committee on Health tomorrow, Tuesday, 5th February 2013 for the Committee Stage of the Public Health (Tobacco) (Amendment) Bill 2013.]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-15068-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Mon, 04 Feb 2013 15:45:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Agriculture Committee to meet Minister on content of beef burgers]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Oireachtas Joint Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine will consider the recent findings of beef burgers containing horse meat at a meeting tomorrow afternoon at 2 pm.]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-15067-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Mon, 04 Feb 2013 15:19:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Jobs Committee to discuss reform of business supports with Minister]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Committee on Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation will meet with Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation Richard Bruton TD tomorrow, Tuesday, 5th February, 2013 to discuss reform of the National Micro and Small Business Support structures.]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-15066-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Mon, 04 Feb 2013 14:34:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Oireachtas Committee shares concerns with Northern Ireland Prisoner Ombudsman]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Joint Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement this morning met with Pauline McCabe, the Prisoner Ombudsman for Northern Ireland on the rights of prisoners in Northern Ireland. ]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-15009-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Thu, 31 Jan 2013 18:16:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Correspondence from the Smithwick Tribunal]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Correspondence received from the Smithwick Tribunal on 31st January 2013.

]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-15008-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Thu, 31 Jan 2013 17:28:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Health Committee presents report on hearings to Minister for Health]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[On the 8th, 9th and 10th of January 2013, the Joint Committee on Health and Children held three days of public hearings following the Government decision to proceed to address the issues raised in the A, B, C Judgement, by way of legislation and regulations, within the parameters of Article 40.3.3 of the Constitution, as interpreted by the Supreme Court]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-15002-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Thu, 31 Jan 2013 15:56:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Health Committee to hand report on hearings to Minister for Health]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[On the 8th, 9th and 10th of January 2013, the Joint Committee on Health and Children held three days of public hearings following the Government decision to proceed to address the issues raised in the A, B, C Judgement, by way of legislation and regulations, within the parameters of Article 40.3.3 of the Constitution, as interpreted by the Supreme Court]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-14988-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Thu, 31 Jan 2013 10:05:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[P&aacute;draig Mac Lochlainn TD elected Chair of the Committee on Public Oversight and Petitions]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[P&aacute;draig Mac Lochlainn TD has this evening been elected Chair of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Public Service Oversight and Petitions.]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-14987-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Wed, 30 Jan 2013 17:27:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[PAC to examine financial statements of Enterprise Ireland]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Committee of Public Accounts will consider the financial statements of Enterprise Ireland with its chief executive Frank Ryan at its meeting tomorrow, Thursday, 31st January 2013.
]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-14986-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Wed, 30 Jan 2013 15:56:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Finance Committee to consider EU proposals]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform will meet with officials from the Department of Finance tomorrow, Thursday, 31st January 2013 to carry out scrutiny of COM(2011)398 and COM(2012)388-Multiannual Financial Framework.]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-14985-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Wed, 30 Jan 2013 15:54:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Oireachtas Committee to hear from Northern Ireland Prisoner Ombudsman]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Joint Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement will tomorrow meet with Pauline McCabe, the Prisoner Ombudsman for Northern Ireland. ]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-14984-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Wed, 30 Jan 2013 15:38:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Postponement of Agriculture Committee meeting]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[As a mark of respect to the Donohoe family and to facilitate members attending the funeral of the late Detective Adrian Donohoe tomorrow, the meeting of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine due to take place tomorrow, 30th January has been cancelled.]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-14980-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Tue, 29 Jan 2013 17:43:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Committee to elect Chairman and continue consideration of petitions]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Oireachtas Joint Committee on Public Service Oversight and Petitions meets tomorrow afternoon to elect a Chairman. ]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-14979-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Tue, 29 Jan 2013 17:33:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Postponement of Social Protection Committee meeting]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[As a mark of respect to the Donohoe family and to facilitate members attending the funeral of the late Detective Adrian Donohoe tomorrow, the meeting of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Education and Social Protection due to take place tomorrow, 30th January has been cancelled.]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-14978-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Tue, 29 Jan 2013 16:52:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Foreign Affairs Committee to discuss role of Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in trade promotion and economic recovery]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[As part of its on-going hearings into the role and contribution of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade to trade promotion and economic recovery, the Oireachtas Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade will hear from Martin Murray, Executive Director, Asia Matters at its meeting tomorrow, Wednesday, 30th January 2013.
]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-14977-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Tue, 29 Jan 2013 16:44:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Justice Committee postpones meeting]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[As a mark of respect to the Donohoe family and to facilitate members attending the funeral of the late Detective Adrian Donohoe tomorrow, the meeting of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality due to take place tomorrow, 30th January has been cancelled.]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-14976-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Tue, 29 Jan 2013 16:35:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Social Protection Committee to consider lack of transparency in pension charges]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Joint Committee on Education and Social Protection will tomorrow consider an important report on pension charges with officials from the Department of Social Protection. ]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-14974-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Tue, 29 Jan 2013 12:56:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Justice Committee continues hearings on prostitution legislation]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality will continue its hearings on submissions received in relation to the review of prostitution legislation tomorrow, Wednesday, 30th January 2013 when it meets with the editor of RT&Eacute;&rsquo;s Investigations Unit Paul Maguire.]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-14973-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Tue, 29 Jan 2013 12:49:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Agriculture Committee to meet with Comhairle na Tuaithe]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Oireachtas Joint Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine will tomorrow meet with Comhairle na Tuaithe to discuss proposals to ensure good agricultural and environmental practices on farms.]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-14970-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Mon, 28 Jan 2013 17:35:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[EU Affairs Committee Chairs discuss enhanced role for national parliaments]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Chairs of the European Affairs Committees from across EU Member States met in Dublin Castle today Monday 28 January for a wide-ranging discussion on the role for national parliaments in securing stability and economic growth for the European Union. ]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-14967-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Mon, 28 Jan 2013 14:16:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Jobs Committee to meet Secretary General of Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Committee on Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation will meet with the Secretary General of the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation tomorrow, Tuesday, 29th January, 2013 to discuss the six-monthly EU Scrutiny Report of that Department.]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-14956-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Mon, 28 Jan 2013 11:22:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Environment Committee to discuss planning policy with Minister Jan O&rsquo;Sullivan TD]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Minister of State at the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government with special responsibility for housing Jan O&rsquo;Sullivan TD will attend the meeting of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Environment, Culture and the Gaeltacht tomorrow, Tuesday, 29th January 2013 to discuss planning issues and policy.]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-14955-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Mon, 28 Jan 2013 11:07:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[EU Affairs Committee Chairs to discuss role for national parliaments in EMU]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Inaugural meeting of the parliamentary dimension of Ireland&rsquo;s EU Presidency
]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-14896-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Thu, 24 Jan 2013 17:32:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Oireachtas Committee hears Belfast remains &lsquo;open for business&rsquo;]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Joint Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement met with Glyn Roberts, CEO of the Northern Ireland Independent Retail Trade Association.]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-14895-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Thu, 24 Jan 2013 17:30:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Former politicians to debate &ldquo;Reforming the Constitution&rdquo;.]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Abolition or Reform of Seanad &Eacute;ireann, How to Reconcile Membership of the EU with the provisions of the Constitution and Governance or the Right Balance between the Executive and the Legislature are some of the key topics regarding the Constitution which will be addressed by former TDs and Senators when they come together tomorrow Friday 25 January 2013 in the D&aacute;il Chamber, Leinster House.]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-14887-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Thu, 24 Jan 2013 14:58:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Transport Committee hears ambitious plans for Shannon Airport ]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport and Communications today heard Rose Hynes, Chair of the Shannon Airport Authority, outline plans to develop Shannon Airport into an economic driver, not only for the Midwest region, but for the country as a whole. ]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-14859-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Wed, 23 Jan 2013 17:14:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Oireachtas Committee to discuss Union flag disruption with Belfast business group]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Joint Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement will tomorrow meet to discuss the impact of the recent protests in Belfast on the local retail sector.]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-14858-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Wed, 23 Jan 2013 15:40:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Health Committee to discuss staffing levels study with INMO]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Committee on Health and Children will discuss the recently published independent study into ward staffing levels in Irish hospitals when it meets with the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) tomorrow, Thursday, 24th January 2013.]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-14857-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Wed, 23 Jan 2013 15:09:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Finance Committee to meet with NTMA]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Officials from the National Treasury Management Agency (NTMA) will provide an overview of the Irish economy and funding requirements at a meeting of the Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform tomorrow, Thursday, 24th January 2013.]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-14855-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Wed, 23 Jan 2013 13:23:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[EU Affairs Committee to discuss EU enlargement with T&aacute;naiste]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Oireachtas Joint Committee on European Union Affairs will meet T&aacute;naiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Eamon Gilmore TD tomorrow morning at 10:30 am.]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-14850-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Wed, 23 Jan 2013 12:42:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[PAC to examine financial statements of the National Transport Authority]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Committee of Public Accounts will consider the financial statements of the National Transport Authority with its chief executive Gerry Murphy at its meeting tomorrow, Thursday, 24th January 2013.]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-14849-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Wed, 23 Jan 2013 12:27:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Finance Sub-Committee to discuss motions]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Sub-Committee on Finance will discuss a number of motions Minister of State with special responsibility for Public Service Reform and the OPW Brian Hayes TD at its meeting tomorrow, Wednesday, 23 rd January 2013.]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-14829-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Tue, 22 Jan 2013 17:11:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Foreign Affairs Committee to discuss Ireland&rsquo;s Presidency with T&aacute;naiste ]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade will discuss the programme and priorities in the foreign affairs arena for Ireland&rsquo;s EU Presidency with T&aacute;naiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs Eamon Gilmore TD at its meeting tomorrow, Wednesday, 23 rd January 2013. ]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-14828-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Tue, 22 Jan 2013 16:47:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Transport Committee to discuss future of Shannon Airport ]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Oireachtas Joint Committee on Transport and Communications will tomorrow meet with Rose Hynes, Chair of the Shannon Airport Authority, to discuss the future of Shannon Airport. The airport officially separated from Dublin Airport on 1 January. ]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-14825-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Tue, 22 Jan 2013 15:22:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Justice Committee continues hearings on submissions on prostitution legislation ]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality will continue its hearings on submissions received in relation to the review of legislation on prostitution in Ireland when it meets with representatives from the Gay Men&rsquo;s Health Service and Doras Luimn&iacute;, along with Dr Derek Freedman and Linda Latham tomorrow, Wednesday, 23 rd January 2013. ]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-14824-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Tue, 22 Jan 2013 13:19:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Postponement of Tuesday's Agriculture Committee meeting]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The next meeting of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine, which was to consider the recent findings of beef burgers containing horse meat, has been postponed.]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-14774-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Fri, 18 Jan 2013 17:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[EU Affairs Committee hears role for entrepreneurship in curbing Europe&rsquo;s unemployment crisis
]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Joint Oireachtas Committee on European Union Affairs this afternoon heard an insightful contribution from web entrepreneur Paddy Cosgrave on how youth unemployment might be curbed. ]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-14752-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Thu, 17 Jan 2013 17:33:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[EU Affairs Committee to discuss youth unemployment crisis]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Joint Oireachtas Committee on European Union Affairs will tomorrow afternoon meet with Paddy Cosgrave, Organiser of the Dublin Web Summit, for a discussion on how youth unemployment might be curbed. ]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-14743-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Wed, 16 Jan 2013 15:56:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Education Committee to consider Education and Training Boards Bill 2012]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Select Committee on Education and Skills will tomorrow meet to consider the Education and Training Boards Bill 2012 with Minister for Education and Skill Ruairi Quinn TD. ]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-14742-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Wed, 16 Jan 2013 14:48:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[PAC to examine financial statements of aviation, communication and energy regulators]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Committee of Public Accounts will consider the financial statements of the Commission for Aviation Regulation; Commission for Communication Regulation; and Commission for Energy Regulation at its meeting tomorrow, Thursday, 17th January 2013.]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-14740-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Wed, 16 Jan 2013 14:20:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Agriculture Committee hears upbeat report on Burren Farming for Conservation Programme]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Oireachtas Joint Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine today heard a presentation from the Burren Farming for Conservation Programme, which was described as a simple, fair and flexible model which helped support the heritage, environment and communities of the Burren.]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-14738-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Tue, 15 Jan 2013 17:07:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Justice Committee to resume hearings on submissions on prostitution legislation
]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality will resume its hearings on submissions received in relation to the review of legislation on prostitution in Ireland at its meeting tomorrow, Wednesday, 16th January 2013.]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-14737-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Tue, 15 Jan 2013 14:28:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Finance Committee to meet Central Bank Governor Patrick Honohan]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Professor Patrick Honohan, Governor of the Central Bank of Ireland, will appear before the Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform tomorrow, Wednesday, 16th January 2013.]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-14734-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Tue, 15 Jan 2013 11:18:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Agriculture Committee to discuss Burren Farming for Conservation Programme]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Oireachtas Joint Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine will tomorrow discuss the Burren Farming for Conservation Porgramme, a pioneering agri-environment programme designed to conserve and support the heritage, environment and communities of the Burren. ]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-14719-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Mon, 14 Jan 2013 14:57:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Health Committee to hold hearings with Churches and Advocacy Groups]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[As part of its public hearings on the Implementation of the Government Decision following the publication of the Expert Group Report into matters relating to A, B, C, vs Ireland, the Committee on Health and Children will hear contributions from Churches and Advocacy Groups at its meeting tomorrow, Thursday 10th January. ]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-14680-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Wed, 09 Jan 2013 17:05:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Finance Committee to discuss FOI legislation with Minister Howlin]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform will discuss the General Scheme of the Freedom of Information Bill 2012 with Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform Brendan Howlin TD at its meeting tomorrow, Thursday, 10th January 2013.]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-14668-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Wed, 09 Jan 2013 14:06:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Health Committee to hold legal hearings tomorrow]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[As part of its public hearings on the Implementation of the Government Decision following the publication of the Expert Group Report into matters relating to A, B, C, vs Ireland, the Committee on Health and Children will hear contributions from legal experts at its meeting tomorrow, Wednesday, 9th January. ]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-14658-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Tue, 08 Jan 2013 18:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Oireachtas Committee Chairman condemns Belfast violence ]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Chairman of the Joint Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement, Joe McHugh, T.D., has today condemned the on-going violence in Belfast. ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 08 Jan 2013 18:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Health Committee to hold three days of hearings this week ]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Committee on Health and Children will hold three days of public hearings on 8th, 9th and 10th January 2013 on the Implementation of the Government Decision following the publication of the Expert Group Report into matters relating to A, B, C, vs Ireland.
]]></description>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/mediazone/pressreleases/name-14616-en.html]]></link>
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<pubDate>Mon, 07 Jan 2013 10:13:00 GMT</pubDate>
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