Death of Senator Kieran Phelan

Wednesday, 26 May 2010 11:46 Written by sean

I am saddened by the passing of our colleague in the Oireachtas, Senator Kieran Phelan.
I want to extend my deepest sympathies to his wife Mary, his five children and his extended family.

May he Rest In Peace

New Ross Quay Front Funding

Wednesday, 26 May 2010 08:04 Written by sean

Minister Connick announces 1.36 Million for New Ross Quay Front Development Plan.

MINISTER OF STATE CONNICK ANNOUNCES OPENING OF FOREST ROAD SCHEME DURING VISIT TO SMARTPLY WATERFORD

Tuesday, 18 May 2010 13:52 Written by sean

I visited the Smartply facility, in Belview, Waterford on Monday 17 May and announced the re-opening of the Forest Road Scheme.

MINISTER CONNICK ATTENDS THE IRISH NATIONAL HUNT AWARDS,

Tuesday, 18 May 2010 13:44 Written by sean

I attended the Irish National Hunt Awards and presented the award for the Stable Employee of the Year last Sunday night in the Dunraven Arms Hotel, Adare, Co. Limerick

My first few weeks in my new job

Thursday, 08 April 2010 19:23 Written by sean

Minister of State Sean Connick

Posted on 08/04/10 by Sean Connick My first few weeks in my new job – Minister of State Sean Connick

Any new job brings great change, but a promotion to a Minister of State position has brought more adjustments than I thought possible. With every other new job, I knew change was coming and was able to prepare, mentally and physically for the new circumstances. With this new position, I was in my new office in the Department of Agriculture within 8 hours (with an intervening celebration with family and friends). My new responsibilities of fisheries and forestry present significant challenges but I am already getting stuck in.

I attended my first EU Fisheries Council of Ministers Meeting in Brussels within days of my appointment. There I met with the EU Commissioner for Fisheries and Maritime Affairs Maria Damanaki to discuss the Report on ‘Ireland’s Response’ to the Commissions Green Paper on Reform of the Common Fisheries Policy. Coming from a coastal county where fishing is so important to the local economy, I know how vital strong representation of Irish interests is. National Fish quotas are a public resource and should be treated as such and be used to the benefit of our family owned fleets. It will be my priority to protect these quotas from being privatised and sold on to European fishing companies. You can read more about that meeting here.

My other area of responsibility is forestry which is a key element of the Irish economy and is significant to Ireland’s economic development. Last year’s Renewed Programme for Government included a commitment to increasing annual planting to 10,000 hectares. We are also going to review forestry policy to take account of the role of climate change and the importance of forestry to bio-energy, bio-diversity and job creation for example in the areas of eco-tourism, furniture and crafts. You can find out more about the Government’s forestry policy here

While I am relishing my new challenge, it is really important to me that nothing will change in relation to my constituency. I will continue to work with and on behalf of my constituents with the help of my dedicated and loyal staff. You can keep updated with my latest news on my Facebook page.