Every Friday, we bring you the top five Government news stories of the week. Catch up on what you might have missed here. Click on the headlines to read the full story.
Commission of Investigation into South East foster home - Lynch
On Monday, Primary Care Minister Kathleen Lynch announced that a Commission of Investigation is the be established into events at a foster home in the South East. The Commission will build on work already underway by Mr Conor Dignam SC, with additional resources approved to allow him to expedite his ongoing review. It's expected this will be completed by the end of April 2016.
Unemployment rate falls to 8.6%
Business & Employment Minister Ged Nash today welcomed the news from the Central Statistics Office (CSO) that the unemployment rate has fallen to 8/6%, the lowest rate in seven years. This is down from 10.1% this time last year. The unemployment rate in December stood at 8.8%. The number of people without a job has been falling steadily since 2012 and more than 1,000 jobs per week are being created.
Exchequer Returns for January 2016
Commenting on the Exchequer Returns figures, Finance Minister Michael Noonan said:
Today’s Exchequer Returns and in particular the performance of income tax, VAT and excise highlight the progress that has been made stabilising the public finances and growing the economy. The Government’s focus on job creation and making work pay is benefitting families across the Country and is increasing activity and spending in the domestic economy.
General Election called - polling day 26th February
On the advice of Taoiseach Enda Kenny, under Article 13.2 of the Constitution, the President has today dissolved Dáil Éireann and has summoned the incoming Dáil to meet on Thursday, 10 March, 2016, at 10.30 a.m.Environment Minister Alan Kelly signed the Polling Day Order today, appointing 26 February 2016 as polling day from 7am - 10pm.
Taoiseach Enda Kenny to meet King Abdullah II of Jordan
The Taoiseach Enda Kenny today met with His Majesty King Abdullah II of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, who is making an official visit to Ireland. The meeting at Government buildings focused on the conflict in Syria, the Middle East peace process and on strengthening bilateral relationships between Ireland and Jordan. The Taoiseach also outlined the contribution which Ireland is making to humanitarian efforts in the region.
Have a look at more photos from this week over on our Flickr
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