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Coffey welcomes Government’s decision to establish expert panel to consider underground options for Gridlink

Fine Gael Waterford Deputy, Paudie Coffey, has today (Wednesday) said the decision by the Government to establish an independent expert panel to consider the possibility of putting high power cables underground is positive a move. Deputy Coffey, in his submission to Eirgrid, sought full transparency and clarity around the overhead options versus underground options and this will now be addressed by an independent panel of experts.

29th January 2014

Byrne welcomes announcement of over 30 new jobs in the Liberties

Fine Gael Dublin South Central TD, Catherine Byrne, has today (Wednesday) welcomed the announcement of a €10 million investment by the Teeling Whiskey Company in a new distillery and visitor centre at Newmarket Square in Dublin's Liberties. The distillery will create over 30 new jobs as well as 50 jobs in the construction phase.

29th January 2014

Buttimer welcomes extension of time for Constitutional Convention

Cork South Central Fine Gael TD and member of the Constitutional Convention, Jerry Buttimer, in welcoming the extension of time granted to the Constitutional Convention, has said that this will enable it to complete its work as delegated by the Oireachtas. Deputy Buttimer was commenting after Dáil Éireann approved a Resolution following a decision of Government to extend the mandate given to the Constitutional Convention to complete its programme of works until 31st March 2014.

29th January 2014

Parliamentary Question addressed to the Minister for Finance

To ask the Minister for Finance if he will consider making those with a pension fund of less than €300,000 a year which would have an approximate payment of €12,000 a year, similar to the non-contributory pension rate, exempt from paying the pension levy; and if he will make a statement on the matter?

29th January 2014

Parliamentary Question addressed to the Minister for Finance

To ask the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to the inconsistency that exists between the VAT Consolidation Act 2010 and a Revenue Commissioner leaflet on VAT for veterinary services which is a great concern of the professional dog groomers industry; if he will review this inconsistency and allow professional dog groomers to charge the 13.5% VAT rate which is currently available to veterinary practices that provide dog grooming services; and if he will make a statement on the matter?

29th January 2014

Parliamentary Question addressed to the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government

To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if it is the intention of Irish Water, as reported recently, to charge apartment dwellers on an average use basis rather than a metered basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter?

29th January 2014

Parliamentary Question addressed to the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government

To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will reconsider the proposed amendment S.I number 9 of the Building Control Amendment Regulations 2013 which if introduced could discourage the tradition of self builders here; and if he will make a statement on the matter?

29th January 2014

Acute hospitals must prioritise staff training in caring for dementia patients

Fine Gael Cork North Central Senator and the Party’s Seanad Spokesperson on Health, Colm Burke, today (Tuesday) expressed concern at the worrying gap in services for dementia patients in Irish hospitals. Senator Burke was speaking following the publication of the first national audit of dementia care services in acute hospitals carried out by researchers at UCC.

28th January 2014

Pubs and nightclubs must refrain from irresponsible drinks promotions and improve security - Byrne

Fine Gael Dublin South Central TD, Catherine Byrne, has today (Tuesday) called on the pub and nightclub industry to act responsibly in their promotion of events to young people. Deputy Byrne’s call comes in the wake of an incident on Harcourt Street last night which left a number of young people injured.

28th January 2014

Harris welcomes inclusion of children with ADHD in Long Term Illness Scheme

Fine Gael Wicklow/East Carlow, Simon Harris, has welcomed the news that the Health Service Executive (HSE) has accepted the recommendations of the Ombudsman, Peter Tyndall, in relation to the inclusion of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in the Long Term Illness Scheme.

28th January 2014