We cannot stand by while children are starving and dying.
The ongoing Israeli blockade is having a devastating impact on the people of Gaza.
The world must do more.
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I warmly welcome today's release of Israeli and Thai hostages held in captivity by Hamas.
I also welcome the increased levels of aid reaching Gaza.
This needs to continue at speed.
Full statement ⬇️
An early visit to Belfast today to meet the First Minister and deputy First Minister and political party leaders and representatives and the Speaker of the Stormont Assembly.
We remember the horror of that sunny August afternoon in Omagh.
Today is a stark reminder of the pain and suffering caused to so many families as the commemorative hearings begin.
Full statement below ⬇️
Warm and engaging meetings with Commissioner Maros Sefcovic and Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares Bueno this morning at the Foreign Affairs Council.
We discussed the current trade environment and future EU relations, following the inauguration of President Trump.
International Holocaust Remembrance Day is a stark reminder of the horrors of evil.
Ireland and its government are committed to countering all forms of antisemitism, racism and discrimination.
Tonight in Brussels, countries from across the EU are meeting at a critical time with so many major, pressing issues.
It is my honour to represent Ireland. We have much to discuss including EU-US relations, the Middle East and Ukraine.
I am delighted to have had the opportunity to speak with the First Minister of Northern Ireland, Michelle O'Neill, & the deputy First Minister, Emma Little-Pengelly.
This is a time to intensify our work together to address the shared challenges on this island.
My full statement:
I’ve been briefed on the storm hitting Ireland from midnight tonight.
Storm Eowyn is Dangerous, Destructive & Damaging.
We cannot give a higher warning than nationwide RED. The risk to life is extreme and real. You need to pay attention. Do not travel. Do not go near the sea.
It was an honour to meet Daragh Kelly, John O’Driscoll, Enda McNicholas, Roger McMorrow & Conor McCarthy in September.
Incredible to see them finishing 3rd in a transatlantic rowing race, raising funds in honour of Saoirse O’Driscoll. 5,000km race in 39 days, 14 hours and 31min.
I warmly congratulate President Donald Trump on his inauguration today and wish him every success in his term-in-office.
The Government very much looks forward to cooperating with President Trump and his administration in the months and years ahead.
I welcome the entry into force of the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas which offers hope after a brutal 15 months of war.
There must be an immediate surge in the much needed humanitarian assistance for the people of Gaza.
Today, Fine Gael hosts the first of five meetings across the country engaging with members on the draft Programme for Government.
Positive news on home building as a record 60,243 homes have commenced in 2024. That is an average 239 new homes every working day in 2024 - the highest number since records began. Home ownership will be our priority for the next 5 years.
Since the General Election we have been working night and day to deliver a Programme for Government.
Fine Gael went into negotiations to put together a government that can deliver on the issues that matter to you, your family and your community.
Earlier this week I had the honour and pleasure to meet 13 Year old Kai Keane who is non verbal and is a new student at Goreyhill Special School which I officially opened. I knew when meeting Kai he was a wonderfully talented student.
Today I spoke with First Minister of Wales, Eluned Morgan about the ongoing impact of the closure of Holyhead port on the movement of people and freight between Ireland and Great Britain.
Visited the US Embassy in Dublin this morning to pay respect and honour the life and achievements of former US President Jimmy Carter.
A man of integrity and dignity who was committed to public service and human rights.
Reminded I badly need a haircut as I visited Gorey Hill Special School in Wexford this morning to officially open this brilliant new school. So lovely to meet the students and staff. Delighted to be there. Thank you for having me
Reminded I badly need a haircut as I visited Gorey Hill Special School in Wexford this morning to officially open this brilliant new school. So lovely to meet the students and staff. Delighted to be there. Thank you for having me
I want to wish Justin Trudeau well today on his announcement to step down as Prime Minister of Canada and Leader of his party.
I have enjoyed meeting him on a number of occasions and working with him on key issues including helping with displaced children in Ukraine.
Thank you to the crews working across the country to assist communities, homes & businesses with electricity & water supplies after the snow & to grit roads & maintain safety during the very cold weather. Let’s all look out for neighbours & those particularly vulnerable
#sneachtaColin Farrell, sincere congratulations! Winning a third Golden Globe! Doing Ireland proud. Well done
Just finished a briefing with the Directorate of Emergency Management on the severe cold snap and snow event Ireland will experience. From this evening until tomorrow evening, significant snow and sleet will fall. Travelling conditions in many places will be very dangerous
Today a range of improvements in social protection take effect arising from our Budget, including for pensioners, carers & people with disabilities
Read more here:
www.gov.ie/en/press-rel...Taoiseach and Minister Humphreys announce over €1 billion in new Social Protection increases now in effect
Wishing you and yours a happy New Year.
Athbhliain faoi mhaise daoibh!
2024 was certainly a busy, busy year. We got a lot done together and I am so excited about working as hard as I possibly can in 2025 to achieve progress on some of the big issues facing Ireland. Big challenges. Big opportunities. Ready for it!
Writing in today’s
@irishtimes.bsky.social about the diplomatic and trade relationship between Ireland and the United States and the year ahead.
Read here:
www.irishtimes.com/opinion/2024...
Simon Harris: New Irish government must launch US diplomatic and trade offensive
Donald Trump is a businessman at heart. Ireland’s offering is one that speaks to him
Christmas provides a break for many people but I am conscious many others work over the Christmas period to keep us safe, keep our emergency service running, to provide essential care or keep essential services open. On behalf of us all, thank you to everyone who worked this Christmas period
Wishing you a very happy Christmas.
Enjoy the warmth and wellbeing we can all experience from being with family and friends. May the peace of Christmas inspire us all as we look to the New Year.
And may the magic of Christmas envelop children across Ireland.
Nollaig Shona Daoibh
I am just off a call with the President of the Palestinian Authority Mahmoud Abbas to express the solidarity and unbreakable support of the people of Ireland to the people of Palestine. 🇵🇸
My full statement below:
As Christmas Day fast approaches, you may be doing last minute shopping (I am definitely in that category!)
Please remember when you are out today to shop local. Local businesses are the backbone of our economy, they make our communities thrive.
Today we celebrate the Winter Solstice and many will have gathered in beautiful Newgrange from before first light.
Today on this wintery day just before Christmas, I find these words inspiring and hopeful:
“If winter comes, can spring be far behind?”
In Brussels today for the European Council meeting of leaders. I will continue to speak up for Ireland on ceasefires in Ukraine and the Middle East. As the year ends, we once again call for a ceasefire in Gaza, the free flow of aid, the release of all hostages and respect for international law.
An important message for the children and parents of Ireland. Spread the word! 7 days to go to Christmas morning
#christmas #santa #santaclausFirst sitting of the 34th Dáil today.
It is an honour to represent you and work on your behalf on the issues and priorities that matter most to you.
Looking forward to the time ahead in this Dáil with the new Fine Gael Team I am proud to lead.
Just finished a very good call with President of the EU Council António Costa in advance of the European Council later this week - discussed Ukraine, the Middle East, Syria & EU-UK relations
As we enter into the final days of 2024, l'm looking back on a very busy and intense year. Little did I know last Christmas what 2024 would entail. A year of major change but I have tried to rise to the challenge and am really grateful to you all for your support and engagement throughout.
