Latest News

Lower VAT rate on eBooks would encourage greater use of iPads

Anthony Lawlor, Fine Gael TD for Kildare North, is again urging EU officials to abolish the 23% VAT service rate on eBooks in order to encourage greater use of iPads and electronic devices in school.

Bank of Ireland slamming the door on many of its customers - O'Donnell

Fine Gael TD for Limerick City, Kieran O'Donnell, has strongly criticised Bank of Ireland for restrictions it is imposing on over-the-counter lodgements and withdrawals. The bank has announced that it will no longer handle cash withdrawals of less than €700 and lodgements of less than €3,000.

Coghlan expresses concern about mortgages controlled by debt investors or vulture funds

Speaking in the Seanad today (Wednesday), Fine Gael Senator for Kerry and Government Chief Whip, Paul Coghlan expressed his concern about mortgages controlled by vulture funds and debt investors.

European Parliament introduces new rules to protect 120 million EU citizens every year – Hayes

Fine Gael Dublin MEP Brian Hayes, has welcomed the passing of the Travel Package Directive. The European Parliament voted on the Directive today (Tuesday) in Strasbourg which will provide greater protection for up to 120 million EU citizens each year.

Increase sentences for drink drivers to 14 years – Noone

Dublin Senator and Fine Gael candidate for Dublin West, Catherine Noone, has called for tougher sentences for drink drivers. Senator Noone made the call following the tragic death of four-year-old Ciaran Treacy.

Speech by the Taoiseach at the IDA Emerging Business Media Event

Speech by the Taoiseach “At the heart of school communities”

Speech by the Taoiseach to Eversheds International dinner

When this Government entered office in 2011 we inherited a country in deep crisis... a shrinking economy, an international reputation in tatters, a bust banking system, and public services reliant on an international bailout.

Clune votes to increase funding for missing children hotlines

Ireland South Fine Gael MEP, Deirdre Clune has supported a budget amendment in the European Parliament that increases funding for missing children hotlines across Europe. Commenting on the increase in funding Clune says that the hotlines are still underfunded and that we are not doing enough to help vulnerable children.

New cross-border taskforce is key is tackling organised crime – O’Reilly

Fine Gael TD for Cavan/Monaghan, Joe O’Reilly, has backed Minister for Foreign Affairs, Charlie Flanagan in his call for a new cross-border taskforce to comprehensively tackle cross-border organised crime, controlled in many areas by the Provisional IRA (PIRA).

Youth unemployment falls to 6 year low – Corcoran Kennedy

Fine Gael TD for Laois/Offaly and Chairperson of the Oireachtas Jobs Committee, Marcella Corcoran Kennedy, has said that while the fall in unemployment to 9.3% is welcome, it is the drop in youth unemployment to a six year low that is most encouraging.

Dáil Question on Garda Allocation Per County

DÁIL QUESTION addressed to the Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Frances Fitzgerald) by Deputy Anthony Lawlor for WRITTEN on Tuesday, 3rd November, 2015. * To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the locations where newly trained Gardaí from Templemore, since it has re-opened, have been allocated, by county; if priority has been given to counties where there are Garda shortages, such as in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter.