Fine Gael TD for Sligo-Leitrim Tony McLoughlin’s Private Members Bill to ban fracking has been unanimously supported by the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Climate Action and Environment in a report released this week. 　

Fine Gael Limerick Senator, Maria Byrne, said the Restaurants and Foodservice sector in Ireland is facing a crisis shortage of Chefs and Skilled Hospitality Staff.

Fine Gael Cork East TD, David Stanton, has welcomed the designation of Cobh as a Rent Pressure Zone under the Government’s rental strategy, saying this will protect tenants from unreasonable rent increases.

Ulster Bank has agreed to meet community groups from Raphoe and Ardara to discuss the proposed closure of two bank branches there, Donegal Deputy Joe McHugh said today. Minister McHugh met senior bank officials in Dublin earlier today to protest at the planned closure of the branches which was announced last week.

Donegal Deputy Joe McHugh has welcomed news of a €970,000 in a water mains project investment which will ensure a clean and secure water supply for the 940 people served by the Portnoo Water Supply. “This is an important scheme for Portnoo, Dungloe, Lettermacaward and Naran and is part of a huge investment across Co Donegal. I want to thank Irish Water and their key partners Donegal County Council in progressing the Portnoo Water Supply with a completion in around six or seven months’ time.”

Fine Gael Kildare North TD, Bernard Durkan, has welcomed the designation of Maynooth as a Rent Pressure Zone under the Government’s rental strategy, saying this will protect tenants from unreasonable rent increases.

Prime Minister Theresa May has today, in accordance with Article 50 of the Treaty on European Union, formally notified the European Council of the UK's intention to leave the EU. This means that the two-year exit process has now commenced.

Fine Gael Waterford senator, Paudie Coffey, said a €24,000 Government cash injection for the Waterford City Football in the Community Programme will make soccer even more accessible to local youngsters. 　

Fine Gael Cork senator Tim Lombard has welcomed the commencement of building work on a new addiction treatment centre in Togher.

Minister for Health, Simon Harris and Minister of State, Marcella Corcoran Kennedy today (Wednesday) announced that the legislation for the standardised packaging of tobacco is to come into force in September 2017.