Fianna Fáil has expressed concerns that the new Children First Bill does not include any sanctions for those who refuse to report child protection issues. The party’s Children Spokesperson Robert Troy welcomed the long-awaited publication of the Bill but raised concerns that a lack of sanctions represents a watering down of the robust legislation that was promised. Deputy Troy commented, “While I very much welcome the long-awaited publication of the Children First Bill, I am deeply concerned that it may be lacking teeth. This Bill is supposed to end a culture of turning a blind...

Longford-Westmeath Fianna Fáil TD Robert Troy has called on the Minister for Health to clarify the timeframe for delivery of a new development at the Midland Regional Hospital in Mullingar.  Deputy Troy has received a response to a Parliamentary Question from the HSE which casts doubt on the project despite recent commitments made by government TDs. Deputy Troy commented: “The proposed development for Mullingar Midland Regional Hospital which is due to start this summer will include an emergency department, theatre department and replacement ward accommodation.  However a further multi-million euro development including...