Fine Gael TD for Cork East, Tom Barry, has said that a €2 million Government fodder scheme will provide vital relief for farmers in East Cork whose fodder has been destroyed in recent flooding. This scheme which has been announced by the Minister for Agriculture, Simon Coveney will apply to the loss of silage, hay, straw and concentrates where there is evidence of damage caused by flooding and where the losses are not covered by insurance.

Responding to Fianna Fáil Leader Micheál Martin's claims today about right-wing economics, Meath Fine Gael TD Helen McEntee said: "Micheál Martin was the most right-wing Minister for Enterprise in the history of the Irish state.

Minister for Housing and TD for Waterford, Paudie Coffey, has welcomed the announcement by the Minister for Tourism and Sport, Michael Ring, that €15,000 has been allocated for Waterford Spraoi in 2016. This is part of Fáilte Ireland‘s national funding of just over €1.8 million for 23 key national festivals and events.

Fine Gael Waterford Minister Paudie Coffey has said that the government has announced a series of additional supports for flood affected areas. Minister Coffey said that that the government are responding to the flooding by rolling out financial and other supports for communities affected by the floods.

Fine Gael Waterford Minister Paudie Coffey has said that he has welcomed the positive progress that has been made with the Dunmore East and Ardmore Waste Water Treatment facilities that have been completed and are now fully operational. Minister Coffey said the delivery of these facilities is part of a €33 million investment package in County Waterford and will go a long way to ensuring that the both areas receive blue flag status for their beaches.

“Students wishing to travel to the USA this summer to participate in the J1 Summer Work Travel (SWT) Programme should be aware of an important policy change this year”, says Cork East Fine Gael TD, David Stanton.

Government Chief Whip in the Seanad, Paul Coghlan, has said that the approval of funding for works on the N86 marks a final end to ongoing legal challenges and a chance to develop one of Kerry’s most important routes.

Damien English, Fine Gael TD for Meath West and Minister of State at the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, has said that Enterprise Ireland figures released today (Tuesday) show that the Government’s job creation plan is working.

Fine Gael Waterford Minister Paudie Coffey has said that unemployment continued to fall in December and showed that the national unemployment rate now stands at 8.8%; the lowest level in 7 years. Minister Coffey said that this was a sign of real progress in the economy and it was backed up the publication of the 2015 exchequer returns that showed the Country had run a balanced budget for the year; for the first time in 8 years.

Fine Gael TD for Kerry and Member of the Oireachtas Transport Committee, Brendan Griffin, has said that the confirmation today (Monday), by the Minister for Transport, Paschal Donohoe, that €3.8m is to be invested in the N86 will provide a major boost for the economy in West Kerry.