Fine Gael Senator Catherine Noone's description of Taoiseach Leo Varadkar as autistic was "offensive, ignorant and wrong," Tánaiste Simon Coveney has said. "She is following up on that to try and reinforce that point by writing to organisations and the families concerned. On Tuesday she apologised, withdrew her remarks and Mr Varadkar accepted her apology and said she would not face any sanctions. The party has also pledged to extend parental leave for both parents to nine weeks each in the first year. Speaking at the launch, Minister for Employment Regina Doherty said Fine Gael wants the economy to start working for people.

Source: Irish Examiner January 29, 2020 18:45 UTC