To ask the Minister for Finance his views on the predicted increase in mortgage interest rates in 2011, which will add further financial pressure to hard-pressed homeowners, many of whom it is believed will fall behind on payments or face selling their homes as a result; and if he will make a statement on the matter

We all subscribe to the freedoms, the opportunities and the access to information that the Internet provides us with. Ireland is home to some of the world's most innovative internet companies and we are determined to grow our reputation as a location where smart people and these smart companies can continue to innovate in this fast moving arena.

The last thing innovators need is a culture where the outputs of their creative endeavours have to be locked away or kept secret for the fear of theft. Ireland is very proud of the fact that we have a modern suite of intellectual property laws that by their very nature balance a range of competing interests and rights in a manner that is seen, right across the globe, as reasonable and proportionate.

MINISTER of State Seán Sherlock TD has welcomed the provision of new road signage across North Cork as part of two new schemes currently underway.

Minister of State Seán Sherlock TD has welcomed the inclusion of a number of North Cork blackspots as part of the National Roads Authority's spending programme for 2012 announced this week.

Minister of State Seàn Sherlock TD has welcomed the provision of €1.5 million in funding for a new Medical Assessment Unit and Endoscopy Suite at Mallow General Hospital.

Minister for Research and Innovation, Seán Sherlock T.D. Today (Thursday) announced that the latest "Building a Business on Your Ideas" free seminar will take place in Cork Institute of Technology on Thursday 26th January 2012.

The Minister for Research and Innovation, Seán Sherlock T.D., today (Monday) welcomed the announcement of the appointment of Professor Mark Ferguson, a renowned scientist and innovator, as Director General of Science Foundation Ireland.

Seán Sherlock T.D. Minister for Research & Innovation today [Thursday] opened a call for proposals from Irish Research Performing Organisations under Phase 2 of the Technology Transfer Strengthening Initiative.

The Minister for Research and Innovation Sean Sherlock TD announced today [Thursday] that the Government will be responding with legislation to the High Court Judgment in the case of EMI and Others Vs UPC.

Minister for Research and Innovation, Sean Sherlock, T.D., today [Wednesday] congratulated the Science Gallery on their plans to go global by building a Global Science Gallery Network. This is being facilitated by the granting of a prestigious gift of €1million from Google.org.

THE Minister of State for research and Innovation, Seán Sherlock, has said the HSE's imminent ambulance changes for Cork and Kerry must be postponed.

MEMBERS of the Mallow Hospital Action Committee met this week to discuss plans for the proposed new Medical Assessment Unit at Mallow General Hospital.

MINISTER of State Sean Sherlock TD met with Community Employment supervisors from across the North Cork region this week to assess the impact of the announcement by Minister Joan Burton that a nationwide review of the scheme is to place in the coming weeks

Minister of State, Sean Sherlock T.D., today welcomed the announcements by both the Taoiseach, Enda Kenny T.D., and Minister for Social Protection, Joan Burton T.D., that the issue of disability payments will be revisited.

The Minister for Research and Innovation, Sean Sherlock TD today [Tuesday] welcomed the suite of improvements to Ireland's R&D tax credit as announced by the Minister for Finance in today's Budget speech.

HEALTH Minister James Reilly has been asked to investigate the lengthy processing times for new medical card applications and renewals on foot of complaints about the new centralised processing system based in Finglas, Co Dublin.

The Minister for Research and Innovation, Seán Sherlock TD, today (Wednesday) welcomed the publication by the European Commission of its proposals for Horizon 2020, the EU Programme for Research and Innovation funding which will operate from 2014 to 2020. This will be the biggest ever EU programme for research and innovation funding, with a budget forecast to be of the order of €80 billion.

The Minister for Research and Innovation, Seán Sherlock T.D., today opened the new extension at Ballinacarriga National School, Dunmanway, Co. Cork.

The Minister for Research and Innovation, Seán Sherlock T.D., today officially opened the new extension at Baltydaniel NS, Mallow, Co. Cork.

MINISTER of state Sean Sherlock TD has welcomed approval for and upgrade and expansion of the wastewater treatment plant in Carrigtwohill at an estimated cost of €14 million.

Helping astronauts deal with ‘accelerated ageing' and a lack of exercise in space are the focus of two European Space Agency research contracts awarded to Irish researchers announced by Seán Sherlock T.D Minister for Research & Innovation today (Friday).

NO decision has been taken regarding the operation of rural Garda Stations in Cork at this time Martin Callanan Commissioner of An Garda Siochana has stated in a letter to Minister of State Seán Sherlock TD.

Minister of State Sean Sherlock has welcomed the appointment of additional employees to the Garda Central Vetting Unit (GCVU).

Following the release of the Government's Infrastructure and Capital programme launched earlier today (Thursday) the Minister for Research and Innovation, Mr. Sean Sherlock TD commented

"Innovation requires flexibility on all our parts and an environment whereby the traditionally distant worlds of science and enterprise are allowed to work in close proximity," Sean Sherlock T.D., Minister for Research and Innovation, said today (Thursday).

MINISTER of State Seán Sherlock TD has asked the Department of the Environment to look at how Local Authorities are interpreting the new guidelines with regard to housing applications.

CBS Secondary School Midleton has been given the green light to proceed with the provision of additional classroom space to cater for a further 1,000 pupils Minister of State at the Department of Education & Skills Seán Sherlock TD has confirmed.

FUNDING has been approved for extensions to two Fermoy schools it was confirmed this week by Minister of State at the Department of Education & Skills Sean Sherlock TD.

MALLOW'S Gaelscoil Thomais Daibhis has been given the green light to construct seven new classrooms Minister of State at the Department of Education & Skills Seán Sherlock confirmed this week.

A MALLOW based company has secured the first license to undertake the nationwide verification of truck mounted metering systems for milk.

Minister for Research and Innovation, Sean Sherlock TD, today [Wednesday] has urged businesses to avail of the opportunity to attend a Government-sponsored free seminar, ‘Building a Business on Your Ideas' which will take place in IT Sligo, Ash Lane, Sligo on Thursday 3rd November 2011. Further seminars will take place in Limerick and Athlone later this year.

Minister for Research and Innovation at the Department of Education, Seán Sherlock, was in Fermoy this week to launch ‘Liam's Lifts', a new volunteer driver scheme to assist people getting to oncology treatment in Cork.

MALLOW General Hospital is to receive a one million euro plus investment which will safeguard the future of the hospital.

Minister of State Seán Sherlock TD has called on Bus Éireann to introduce a pick up point in Twopothouse on its Cork to Limerick Bus service.

TWO Students from St Mary's Secondary School, Midleton were among the award winners at a ceremony in Dublin last week where they were presented with their prize by Minister of State at the Department of Eduction & Skills Seán Sherlock TD.

At a book launch today, the significant contribution of mathematics to the solving of problems in industry across Europe was highlighted

"If it takes a person and a half an hour and a half to write a page and a half, how long will it take one person to write two pages?"

MINISTER of State Seán Sherlock TD has welcomed the announcement by the Government that it will make up to €1 billion available to Credit Unions.

MINISTER of State at Department of Education & Skills Seán Sherlock TD has confirmed the cost of school books under the school book rental scheme is to fall following negotiations with publishers and his Ministerial Colleague Ruairi Quinn this week.

The Minister for Research and Innovation, Mr. Seán Sherlock T.D., announced funding of €4.3 million at the launch of the Clinical and Translational Research Scholars Programme (CTRSP), an exciting PhD programme developed by the partner institutes of Molecular Medicine Ireland to prepare science graduates for jobs in Ireland's knowledge economy.

The Minister for Research and Innovation, Sean Sherlock announced that 120 inventions developed by publicly-funded researchers will be introduced to potential investors at the Enterprise Ireland Big Ideas Technology Showcase in the Convention Centre, Dublin.

The Minister for Research and Innovation, Sean Sherlock, TD, welcomed the passage of the Patents (Amendment) Bill 2011 through Second Stage in Dáil Eireann. This short Bill will enable Ireland accede to the London Agreement on patents. The aim of this Agreement is to streamline existing translation requirements for European Patents, lower costs, particularly for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).

Minister of State Seán Sherlock TD has welcomed the amalgamation of Dental services in Mallow announced this week by the HSE which he said will lead to an improved service for patients and better working environment for staff.

Minister for Research & Innovation, Mr. Sean Sherlock T.D., announced that Dublin based AMPAC-ISP Europe is to develop the next generation of rocket engine technologies to be used for future space exploration missions by the European Space Agency (ESA). Under the recently agreed contract, which has an initial value of €2million split between the Irish and UK divisions of Ampac, AMPAC-ISP will develop new processes, materials and technologies to improve the performance of liquid apogee engines used in spacecraft orbit insertion and other in-space propulsion manoeuvres.

MINISTER of State at the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation has welcomed the provision of additional funding to Cork North Enterprise that will pave the way for the creation of at least eight new jobs locally in the small to medium business sector.

Minister of State at the Department of Education Sean Sherlock has welcomed the final agreement between the VEC and Department of Education on a new school for Buttevant.

ISSUES surrounding the operation of Cobh's Social Welfare office have been raised by Minister of State Seán Sherlock TD

CRANN, the Science Foundation Ireland funded nanoscience research institute, based at Trinity College Dublin. Announced a new commercial partnership worth over €130,000 with Merck Millipore a biotech and pharmaceutical company based in Cork.

MINISTER of State Seán Sherlock TD has welcomed confirmation that the National Roads Authority is to erect signage promoting Fermoy as a tourist destination.

MINISTER Seán Sherlock has welcomed the provision of funding for the installation of outdoor gym equipment at Fermoy Town Park

Government investment in research centres in universities, institutes and colleges has resulted in a direct commercial return on investment of €1.8billion, according to a new independent study

Minister of State at the Department of Education and Skills Seán Sherlock TD said all students are to be congratulated for their efforts in completing the Leaving Certificate

MINISTER of State Seán Sherlock TD has confirmed that a one off charge capped at €50 will apply to all septic tank owners around the country in order to meet a ruling from the European Court of Justice

REPRESENTATIVES from Doneraile Court steering group are to be appointed to a new nationwide panel of community and agency groups to progress the development of under-utilised OPW sites

MINISTER for Research and Innovation Seán Sherlock TD has confirmed that he is liaising with Mallow Development Partnership, NAMA and the former Castlelands Group on maximising the potential for occupancy of the new Mallow Business Park on the Cork Road

TWO of Cork's Train Stations are to receive a funding boost under an initiative aimed at creating jobs and boosting the local economy

MINISTER Seán Sherlock TD is urging local businesses to avail of a training seminar taking in place in Mallow next week on the tendering process for government funded projects

KILDORRERY will hold onto three school bus services for the 2011//2012 school year it has been confirmed

Minister of State at the Department of Education and Skills Seán Sherlock TD has said he is delighted that six new schools will be built in Cork over the next couple years

Minister for Research & Innovation Mr. Sean Sherlock T.D. today [Thursday] announced that SensL has signed a three-year, multi-project contract with the European Space Agency (ESA) that will generate over €1m in the initial program phases. The Minister made the announcement during a visit to SensL's Cork headquarters

"Continuous innovation plays a central role in Ireland's future as a knowledge‐based economy. The harnessing of the skills and creativity of the people here at Brinny has been instrumental in the decision by MSD to base these two facilities here, representing a financial investment of €28.6 million and the provision of 70 jobs," according to the Minister for Research and Innovation, Séan Sherlock TD at the official opening of two new state of the art facilities at the existing MSD Brinny site in Co. Cork. The new facilities include the Brinny Bioassay Centre of Expertise and the Brinny Pneumococcal Vaccine Conjugation Facility

The Minister for Research and Innovation Mr Sean Sherlock T.D. today [Tuesday] named Dr Fiona Lyng of Dublin Institute of Technology as this year's winner of the Enterprise Ireland ‘One to Watch' award

APPROVAL for multiple road realignment schemes on the N72 Fermoy to Mallow and N73 Mitchelstown to Mallow has been warmly welcomed by Minister of State Seán Sherlock TD who was behind an online petition to highlight the lack of investment along both routes

MINISTER of State at the Department of Education and Skills Seán Sherlock TD has welcomed approval for the relocation of Educate Together Primary School from the Midleton Rugby Grounds to an alternative site at Market Green from September 2011

MINISTER of State Seán Sherlock TD has said he is hopeful the establishment of a national co-ordination committee to implement recommendations on tackling Ireland's unfinished housing estates will have a positive impact on estates in this position across Cork EasT

I was honoured to be asked to raise the Green Flag at Mitchelstown's CBS Primary School today (June 13th) awarded for the pupils efforts in energy conservation. It was a wonderful ceremony that was jam packed with some fantastic musical performances. I was bowled over by the wealth of talent on display. School Principal Mary O'Callaghan and her staff are to be commended for their in delivering a curriculum that embraces the music, the arts and new technologies. The event also marked the launch of the school's first online edition of their annual magazine 'Ezine' which is a cataglogue of all activities and the school including live recordings. Well done to all involved!

MINISTER Seán Sherlock has moved to clarify the government's position on the Rural Transport Programme amid fears the service may be under threat

Minister of State Seán Sherlock TD has welcomed a commitment by Health Minister James Reilly to cease the withdrawal of any further services from county hospitals including Mallow.

CORK East Labour TD and Minister of State Seán Sherlock has welcomed the inclusion of schools in the Fermoy Area under the Summer Works Scheme announced this week by the Minister for Education and Skills, Ruairí Quinn, T.D.

PROGRAMME FOR GOVERNMENT

LABOUR Party TD Seán Sherlock has welcomed the recommendations made by the Advisory Group on Unfinished Housing Developments which calls for immediate action to deal with some 350 dangerous or "developer-abandoned" housing estates

CORK East Labour Party TD has welcomed the announcement by the National Transport Authority that it is revoking the "nine year rule" for all taxi drivers who applied for their first licence prior to 2009.

Labour Party Plan for Rural Economy

Deputy Seán Sherlock has warmly additional €1.4 million in funding for roadworks to the N72 and said he wants people to know that during his time serving as a member of the 30th Dáil he aggressively campaigned to deliver funding for improvements to this deadly stretch of road

The Labour Party will seek to re-open negotiations on sugar production on the possibility of regaining sugar quota when the matter comes up for review at EU level

Budget 2011 breakdown

CORK East Labour TD Seán Sherlock has slammed the government's decision to introduce new charges and limitations to those availing of the school transport scheme

CORK East Labour Party TD Seán Sherlock has said there is potential to replace Mallow's lost sugar industry with ethanol production if the government is willing to stimulate local production

CORK East Labour party TD Seán Sherlock has slammed the inordinate delay in the processing of Garda clearance which he said is costing people jobs

Seán Sherlock is pressing the government to introduce a regulartory regime for money lending sector as more and more people fall into the poverty trap

To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation the progress made regarding the commitment given in the Renewed Programme for Government to establish Community and Development Agencies as a one stop shop for advice on grant supports, business opportunities, training and development; and if he will make a statement on the matter

CORK East Labour TD Seán Sherlock has expressed serious concern that the National Roads Authority is to take control of the Road Maintenance programme for all of Cork County

DEPUTY Seán Sherlock has described the latest unemployment figures for North Cork as shocking with nearly 6,000 people across Fermoy and Mallow now unemployed

With 3,500 applications as of last week still awaiting processing across counties Cork and Kerry for the back to school allowance provision must be made to ensure adequate resources are put in place to deal with applications next time according to Cork East Labour party TD Seán Sherlock

Labour Party TD Seán Sherlock has welcomed a move by the Economic & Regulatory Affairs Committee to invite the Commission for Energy Regulation to an emergency meeting to address spiralling electricity costs and disconnections to supply

Labour Party TD Seán Sherlock has said electricity providers must be challenged on their treatment of customers after a 62 year old woman in his Cork East constituency had her supply disconnected despite not owing her provider a penny.

Cork East Labour TD Seán Sherlock has said his party will lobby to prevent further hikes in school transports costs

LABOUR TD Seán Sherlock has raised the closure of Youghal Landfill site with Environment Minister John Gormley.

CORK East Labour TD Seán Sherlock has criticised Health Minister Mary Harney for limiting access to dentures for those with medical cards which he describes as ‘a basic human need'

CORK East Labour TD Seán Sherlock is urging those with a business idea to check out their entitlement to the Back Work Enterprise Allowance with their local social welfare office

Oireachtas Economic Regulatory Affairs Committee Member Deputy Sean Sherlock, who has had extensive consultations with the Credit Union representative bodies has called for common sense to prevail in relation to future regulation and credit management of the sector

Labour Party Spokesperson on Agriculture & Food, Seán Sherlock TD has tabled an amendment to the Bio-Fuels obligation bill to ensure that Irish Oil Refineries will be partly stocked with Irish ethanol instead of cheaper Brazilian imports

Cork East Labour TD Seán Sherlock has introduced an amendment to the Bio- Fuel Bill currently before the Dáil which will be discussed this week

Labour TD Seán Sherlock has slammed proposals contained in a HSE draft document to put time restrictions on the duties being carried out by home helpers.

COBH ommunity hospital is a facility that is very well-regarded by the people of Cobh. I have been asked by my Labour Party colleagues on Cobh Town Council to raise this issue as a matter of urgency because there is a situation whereby the National Treatment Purchase Fund has taken over the fair deal scheme as it relates to Cobh hospital.

I believe that the Central Bank Bill in its current unamended form, places onerous restrictions on credit unions

Labour Spokesperson for Food and Agriculture Seán Sherlock has told the Dáil that the framework for any Bio-Fuels Obligation must provide scope for indigenous production of renewable energy fuels.

The plan to extend the carbon levy to home heating fuels on 1st May should be suspended until the Government has measures in place to assist low income families meet the higher fuel costs according to local Labour TD Seán Sherlock.

Labour Party spokesperson on Agriculture & Food Seán Sherlock TD has said figures obtained in a PQ from the Department confirming that over 900 farming families have been awarded a payment under the Farm Assist scheme since the start of the year is proof that many farm families are now living on the margins

LABOUR Cork East TD Seán Sherlock has brought the vacant Mill Island building in Fermoy to the attention of new Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Batt O'Keeffe. Deputy Sherlock said that he hopes that State Agencies will play their part in marketing the former Quinn Healthcare headquarters to new businesses.

A decision is urgently needed on the REFIT (Renewal Energy Feed In Tariff) price the government will pay peat power stations for burning biomass such as miscanthus

A SURVEY on the condition of a number of road stretches across Mallow and Fermoy is currently underway following a meeting of Labour Party TD Seán Sherlock and the Chief Executive of the National Roads Authority.

"It is with great pride that I support my Minister, Deputy Brian Lenihan, in introducing this wonderful and badly needed rescue of the economy, property developers and the banking system." - Ned O'Keeffe TD, 23 September 2009, Second Stage Dáil Debate on the National Asset Management Agency.

"There is a bright future for what we are doing because there will always be better days in the economy. Dublin, Cork and many large towns will not go wrong, but there are land banks in villages and small towns that must be rescued. NAMA will be a profitable organisation. It is an innovative measure and, in two or three years time, will make an unexpected return to the Exchequer." - Ned O'Keeffe TD, 23 September 2009, Second Stage Dáil Debate on the National Asset Management Agency.

"It is important that small shareholders be looked after. I am a shareholder in both of the banks in question." - Ned O'Keeffe TD, 23 September 2009, Second Stage Dáil Debate on the National Asset Management Agency.

"I'm saying Brian Lenihan's plan wont work and it could destroy our whole banking system" - Ned O'Keeffe TD, 29 March 2010, RTÉ Radio News at One.

"I am a member of the Fianna Fáil Party and I will vote with the Party as I have taken a pledge on that and I will honour that always" - Ned O'Keeffe TD, 29 March 2010, RTÉ Radio News at One.

NOTES:

According to the latest CSO figures;

CORK EAST Labour TD Seán Sherlock this week reiterated his belief that the impending industrial action by trade unions would be difficult to comprehend to those recently made unemployed.

CORK EAST Labour TD Seán Sherlock has slated the new Programme for Government as bad for the environment - given the amount of hot air emitted by the Green Party leadership last Saturday.

CORK EAST LABOUR TD Seán Sherlock will hold an ‘on-street Clinic' in advance of Friday's Referendum on the Lisbon Treaty today, Wednesday September 30. Deputy Sherlock said the session was about making himself available to deliver his message on the Treaty at a grass roots level.

Labour Spokesman for Agriculture and Food Seán Sherlock TD has insisted that the REPS payments to farmers must be protected in the interest of protecting rural Ireland. The Cork East TD said that REPS contributes more to the Irish economy than it costs and warned that the removal of the scheme would have devastating consequences for rural communities.

CORK EAST Labour TD Sean Sherlock has called on the ESB to safeguard a pylon in Fermoy in the interest of the safety of young children in the town.

Cork East Labour TD Sean Sherlock has said there is no justification for delaying construction of the new M20 motorway between Cork and Limerick.

CORK EAST Labour TD Seán Sherlock has welcomed the news that both sides of the 4HOMES dispute are to return to the Labour Relations Court - but added that Dairygold must be willing to recognise their employees' contribution to the company.

Labour Party spokesperson on Agriculture & Food, Seán Sherlock TD is urging farmers to apply for the state payment Farm Assist should they find themselves struggling to make ends meet

Dairygold Board members should lend their support to 4home workers in Fermoy and Mitchelstown by endorsing an improved redundancy package according to Cork East Labour TD Seán Sherlock

CORK East Labour TD Seán Sherlock has said that notwithstanding the recommendations of the McCarthy Report, support for the rural transport scheme is absolutely vital for rural Ireland

CORK East Labour TD Seán Sherlock has slammed the government for its failure to adequately promote the new property tax scheme which he said will leave thousands of property owners facing hefty fines

Cork East Labour TD Seán Sherlock has said Greencore must provide some clarification as to its intentions for the former Sugar Factory site in Mallow. This follows news that the majority shareholder plans to sell assets to generate the cash to save large parts of his other businesses

CORK East Labour TD Seán Sherlock has said he will support all efforts to have Crohn's disease included under the Long Term Illness Scheme

Labour party spokesperson on Agriculture & Food Seán Sherlock TD said the proposed cuts to Agriculture contained in today's McCarthy Report will have a negative impact on the agri-business and rural economy if implemented and further undermine our comparative advantage in food and drink production.

CORK East Labour TD Seán Sherlock has slammed the government's decision to proceed with an increase in the cost of school transport

Any attempts to justify the ending of the Reps 4 scheme by claiming it will save the exchequer a lot of money, are well wide of the mark

The decision by the Government to close the REPS 4 Scheme to new applicants will severely affect up to 34,000 farmers who are due to complete their environmental plans over the next four years

Further steps must be taken by the Department of Agriculture to improve farm safety and reduce the risk of on farm deaths, according to Labour's Sean Sherlock.

A TOWN Council candidate has called for the urgent opening of a Money Advice & Budgeting (MABS) branch office serving East Cork to help people struggling with debt and repayments.

Donie Daly, who runs Youghal Financial Services, said many young couples are now in dire financial straits due to changed personal circumstances.

The Labour Party candidate said people from across the Youghal and Midleton areas must travel to Cork city to avail of the MABS service which already is under severe pressure because of the demands from city dwellers.

"This is a government funded agency. The very government that got us into this economic mess yet staff are to the pin of their collar in terms of trying get through appointment. There is currently a five week waiting period to see a MABS advisor at the Cork city office. In the current climate five weeks could make an awful difference to a family struggling to meet repayments," stressed Mr Daly.

Mr Daly said he feared long waiting lists and the lack of a local office would drive people from across East Cork to loan sharks.

"The resources being put into MABS must be reviewed as a matter of urgency. There are four advisors in Cork city dealing with a huge population that stretches from Youghal right back to Kinsale. We have to minimise delays and access to the service if we are to assist people from falling further into debt or taking drastic measures like availing of high interest loans," he continued.

"There are an awful lot of people out there who can't sleep but for worrying about how they are going to meet mortgage or other loan repayments. There are MABS offices operating in both North and West Cork and the same service needs to be offered to the people of Youghal, Midleton, Castlemartyr and surrounding areas," he continued. 

LABOUR TD Seán Sherlock has said called on Bus Eireann to clarify whether plans are afoot to axe its bus service from Dungarvan to Mallow.

Deputy Sherlock said he has been contacted by locals in Castletownroche and Ballyhooly who are particularly concerned at the potential loss of the service which ferries them to Mallow.

"This is a lifeline for a lot of people who can no longer drive or simply never could. I understand that on any given day the bus could cater for up to 50 passengers who hop on and off between Dungarvan and Mallow," said Deputy Sherlock.

Mr Sherlock said Bus Eireann would do well to remember that this is the only means for people to access their bank or the post office following the many closures in recent years.

"This is an invaluable service and we cannot allow it to grind to a halt. Our rural communities must be protected and enhanced going forward and this service is a basic entitlement for those who have chosen to settle in the countryside. I have now written to Bus Eireann asking them to clarify the situation before it's too late," he added.

Last week in the Dail, the Tanaiste seemed to take at face value public assurances from Tesco, that their sourcing of international brands and new allocation of shelf space in its stores, would not be to the detriment Irish suppliers. The Tanaiste also stated that herself and Agriculture Minister Brendan Smith would "keep a very keen eye on the situation".

THE Government's silence on the one year pre-school promise unveiled in the recent budget is causing serious concern among parents according to local Labour TD Seán Sherlock

Deputy Sean Sherlock has called on Tesco to state what Irish brands will still be on the shelves of their 11 stores in the north east next Tuesday.

Labour Party spokesperson on Agriculture & Food is calling on Brendan Smith to be more creative in looking at ways of creating jobs in the agri-food industry.

Deputy Sean Sherlock has welcomed the appointment of Sir Andrew Large to oversee the appontment of a new Regulator."This is a welcome announcement and will send a positive signal to the International Community that Ireland is beginning to get its house in order in relation to the Regulation of the Financial Services and Banking Sector.

On this day twelve months ago, around this very time, the Bertie Ahern was announcing his intention to resign as Taoiseach and Leader of Fianna Fail.

Over the following few months Fianna Fail mourned the departure of Bertie Ahern and celebrated the accession of Brian Cowen at the very time when the attention of the government should have been focused on dealing with the deteriorating fiscal and employment situation.

For more than twelve months the Labour Party has been warning of the mounting economic crisis and calling for urgent action. Last June I was the first Leader to raise in the Dail the looming crisis for small and medium sized enterprises as a result of the refusal of banks to provide normal credit facilities.

Cork East Labour Party TD Seán Sherlock has welcomed confirmation that Mallow General Hospital is amongst the top performing hospitals in the country and officially the best performing in Cork.

There is worrying lack of awareness amongst the parents of school-going children about what is supposed to be, a major public consultation process currently underway which will have serious implications on determining the future operation of the school transport scheme.

WORK is expected to begin on enabling the Glanworth exchange for broadband in April according to local Labour TD Seán Sherlock.

The increases in school bus charges as announced in October's Budget are now beginning to hit home with families being asked to fork out hundreds of euro in additional transport costs for their children for next term claims Deputy Seán Sherlock.

The decision by the Batt O'Keeffe to cut special teacher support in over 100 schools is a clear indication that vulnerable children are to be the next target of this callous government according to Deputy Seán Sherlock.

DEPUTY Seán Sherlock has described plans to remove the weir in Fermoy as "ridiculous" in light of moves by the government to cut public spending.

LABOUR TD Seán Sherlock has said he has become increasingly concerned at the numbers of people whose life savings are being diminished because of nursing home costs.

CORK East Labour TD Seán Sherlock has slammed the decision to shut a North Cork Hospital with just two weeks notice and to transfer all patients to Cork City.

With an announcement of a restructuring plan at Kostal automotive in Mallow, thought to be imminent, it is imperative that Enterprise and Employment Minister Mary Coughlan intervene with the company to ensure the future viability of the plant.

LOCAL Labour TD Seán Sherlock has called on Environment Minister John Gormley to assist Cork County Council in dealing with difficulties that have arisen in a Mitchelstown Housing Estate because of a poor take-up in affordable housing.

Now that they have been shamed by the Labour Party into publishing the Teamwork report into the hospitals in the Mid West, the HSE must publish the report as it relates to Mallow.

Labour Party spokesperson on Agriculture & Food Seán Sherlock TD has welcomed news that Silver Pail Dairy based in Fermoy, Co Cork has secured a major contract with one of the biggest ice-cream manufacturers in the world.