Catholic University in Erbil empowers survivors of ISIS

The appointment of his successor to the role, Professor Breda Smyth, was confirmed by Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly in June.

Once the Bill has cleared the upper chamber it will go to the Commons for further consideration by MPs.Ex-education minister and former chief whip Joe McHugh has resigned the whip after voting against the Government’s defective blocks Bill, meaning the coalition Government has lost its majority as a result.

The Fine Gael TD for Donegal voted against the Bill that provides for a redress scheme for those affected by defective building blocks.AdvertisementFollowing the debate on the Bill, Mr McHugh confirmed that he was resigning the whip.He said: “While I acknowledge the work that has gone into the proposed compensation package, the Bill still needs improvement in key areas, and I have engaged extensively, improvement in key areas, and I have engaged extensively with the Government on these.

“I believe that insufficient time has gone into debating the Bill, which could have allowed these issues to be addressed to improve this legislation to meet the needs of the people affected.“I confirm that I am resigning the whip of Fine Gael and while I do so with a heavy heart I believe that it is the right decision.”

1/3 This evening I voted against the ‘Remediation of Dwellings Damaged by the Use of Defective Concrete Blocks Bill 2022' While I acknowledge the work that has gone into the proposed compensation package,the Bill still needs improvement in key areas and I have engaged extensively

— Joe McHugh (@McHughJoeTD) July 6, 2022“But this can only be done with the full support of all political parties in the province.”

A mother has been sentenced to three months in prison for the manslaughter of her newborn baby.Waterford Circuit Court Judge Eugene O’Kelly said the baby, found dead in a Caredoc bin, was neglected and left to die by the one and only person who knew of her birth, her mother.

AdvertisementJudge O’Kelly said baby Sophie, who was born healthy, was denied the chance of a long and happy life.He made the comments during the sentencing hearing of the baby’s mother, Caitlin Corcoran (23), formerly of Mount Suir, Gracedieu, Waterford city, and now with an address at Castleblaney, Mullinavat, Co Kilkenny.