Fine Gael TD for Longford-Westmeath, James Bannon, has been informed by the HSE that a new teleoc machine will become operational in the Midlands Regional Hospital by the end of 2015.

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.

Fine Gael Waterford Minister Paudie Coffey has said that a €10 million Capital Investment is now ready to go. The Capital Investment will see the transformation of the Apple Market area of Waterford City into a real hub for pedestrians which will help to increase footfall in the heart of the City Centre.

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.

To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she will confirm if there is a policy in place whereby a definite percentage of students sitting each Leaving Certificate subject will fail every year; if so, if this a set figure, or does it change according to the year in question; if this decision is made before the paper is given to the students; her views that this policy discourages students from taking particular subjects, such as honours maths, which will have a negative impact on project maths; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Fine Gael Dublin MEP, Brian Hayes has welcomed new proposals from the European Commission, which explore how EU citizens can have greater access to mortgage products in other Member States.

Fine Gael Senator for Louth/Meath East, Jim D’Arcy has welcomed the call by the Minister for Foreign Affairs Charlie Flanagan for a taskforce on cross-border crime to be established as part of any new northern agreement.

“Dundalk’s Clarke Station has been named Overall Best Train Station in Ireland at the annual Iarnród Éireann Best Station Awards”, says Fine Gael TD for Louth, Peter Fitzpatrick. The Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Paschal Donohoe, today (Monday), presented the award for Iarnród Éireann Best Station to Dundalk.

Operation Thor has been in the planning by An Garda Síochána for several months and is being launched following recent announcements regarding investment in policing.

Speaking ahead of the Chamber of Commerce Dinner in Waterford on Friday in The Tower Hotel Fine Gael Waterford Minister Paudie Coffey said that; “After many years of a difficult business environment in Waterford; it is now improving with jobs being created, tax credits for self-employed being introduced and taxes on work being reduced.