A Sligo Senator has expressed her disgust at the Government for not ending sub-minimum rates for young workers.

The Bill, brought forward by Labour's workers' rights spokesperson and Sligo Senator Nessa Cosgrove last year, would have ended what's been described as age-based pay discrimination.

A further debate on the Bill took place in the Seanad yesterday.

Senator Cosgrove says the idea of being paid less for doing the same job just because of your age is outdated:

A Donegal TD says the Taoiseach has questions to answer as to why he misled the Dáil over the actions taken by the former finance Minister Paschal Donohoe and an allocation of funding made to the World Bank.

Deputy Pearse Doherty had called for Paschal Donohoe to appear before the Dail’s finance committee but the move was blocked by Fianna Fail and Fine Gael members on the committee.

The Taosieach has indicated the Mr Donohoe had chosen the lower option of the amount of funding requested.

The Sinn Féin spokesperson on Finance says this statement was not accurate and that Michael Martin mislead the Dáil

Serious concern has been raised over the wastewater treatment plant in Carrick in Donegal.

The system is said to be currently operating at overcapacity and this has led to fears that it'll put a halt to potential development and future growth in the area.

It has led to urgent calls for an environmental impact assessment to be carried out.

Local Cllr Jimmy Brogan believes that the thorough investigation and the appropriate action are urgently needed:

A Donegal based senator has warned that there is every chance today's joint committee meeting with officials from the Department of Health and the HSE to discuss ways to tackle inequalities impacting the health of travellers will turn into another talk shop.

Senator Eileen Flynn made the comments with traveller health is up for discussion at Leinster House.

The Independent Senator says many well flagged issues impacting the lives of the travelling community have not been addressed by the HSE and the Department of Health.

Speaking to Ocean FM News says there are inequalities in the health system when it comes to health of travellers.

Leitrim-based TD Martin Kenny has raised concerns over severe staff shortages in the home help service.

He says people approved for multiple daily care visits are being left without support because workers cannot be recruited or retained.

Deputy Kenny also highlighted low pay and mounting pressure on HSE staff, with SIPTU balloting for possible strike action.

Speaking in the Dáil, TD Martin Kenny says these are people caring for the most vulnerable in our society, and surely they are worth more than fifteen or sixteen euro an hour

Eir has come under fire over leaving an elderly lady in south Donegal without a phone line for two months.

The lady in question fell in her home over Christmas and wasn't able to raise the alarm as her panic button wasn't working.

Despite repeated calls on Eir to fix her phone line, it has yet to do so.

Cathaoirleach of the Donegal MD and Fianna Fail Cllr Michael Naughton says its disgraceful behaviour by the company:

It's estimated that some families in Sligo could have to wait up to 10 years to get work done under CIS or LIS schemes.

The schemes are Government-funded programmes providing grants for improving small, non-public rural roads and laneways not maintained by local authorities.

They are administered by county councils and there are currently over 100 successful applicants with Sligo County Council but funding is needed from central Government to get the work done.

Fine Gael Cllr Dara Mulvey says it's unacceptable for people particularly living in rural parts of County Sligo:

The Sinn Féin spokesperson on Finance, Pearse Doherty TD, has slammed the move by Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael to close ranks to block his proposal that the Finance Committee question Paschal Donohoe about his decision to give an additional €10 million to the World Bank.

The Donegal TD has accused Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael of coming together and blocking his proposal that the Finance Committee question Paschal Donohoe.

The Taoiseach has clarified there were lower cost options available when it came to World Bank funding.

Responding to questions in the Dail, Micheál Martin described the 141 million figure as the "low option".

Irish Daily Mail's Political Editor Craig Hughes says the business case from the Department of Finance gave a range of payment options.

It's hoped that the future of the local post offices is secure after the Government has given the green light for a €15 million package.

Around eight post office closures have occurred in County Sligo between 2015 and mid-2025, part of over 30 closures in the North West region over the same period.

It's been confirmed that the post office network is set to receive €15 million per annum in direct funding, supporting to protect what has been described as a key rural service.

Minister of State Marian Harkin says it will ensure its sustainability going forward:

Serious concern has been raised over the suitability of some social homes in County Sligo.

It's claimed that some families are living in severely cramped conditions and while they have sought a transfer for a larger home, the housing is simply not available.

It has led to calls on the Government to provide the necessary funding to allow certain Council homes be extended or convert attics for additional space.

Fine Gael Cllr Dara Mulvey says it would be money well spent: