Fine Gael TD for Dublin Fingal, Alan Farrell, has welcomed the latest CSO tourism figures which show significant growth in the tourism sector since Fianna Fáil’s were booted from office.

Fine Gael Ireland South MEP and member of the European Transport Committee, Deirdre Clune, has hit out at those who are still not getting the message on driving whilst under the influence of alcohol and drugs.

Fine Gael TD for Dún Laoghaire Mary Mitchell O’Connor, says it is very welcome news that the Minister for Finance Michael Noonan is to fast track new measures, which will allow employers to give bonus vouchers of up to €500 to employees, tax free.

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.

Anthony Lawlor, Fine Gael TD for Kildare North, has said that progress is being made in addressing nursing shortages, which is welcome news for Naas Hospital. Deputy Lawlor was speaking after he received a parliamentary reply on the matter from Minister for Health, Leo Varadkar.

“The new plans for the Dominican Priory in Athy are a fitting tribute to the Dominican fathers who served so diligently there almost 800 years,” says Martin Heydon, Fine Gael TD for Kildare South.

Brian Hayes MEP today said that tax authorities in the EU, including Irish Revenue, will now have to share sensitive tax details about companies operating in their territories with other tax authorities.

Fine Gael Waterford Minister Paudie Coffey has said that if Fine Gael are re-elected to government next Spring, the party will abolish the Universal Social Charge. Fine Gael before the last general election gave a commitment to review the USC and not increase income taxes. Since then we have cut income taxes; removed 700,000 people from paying the USC and cut the USC for every worker that earns up to €70,000.

Brian Hayes MEP today said that the European Central Bank needs to completely redesign its Quantitative Easing programme before any expansion of QE is considered. Mr. Hayes made his comments following a statement by ECB President Mario Draghi that QE will be re-examined in December.

Fine Gael Waterford Minister Paudie Coffey has said that the North Quays Redevelopment is a top priority for Waterford City. Minister Coffey said the site is a brownfield site that has never reached its full potential; which is completely unacceptable given its position adjacent to the heart of Waterford City.