Áine Collins TD has strongly welcomed the decision by the EU Commission to bring forward the awarding of the Single Payment Scheme (SPS), following representations made to the EU Commission by the Minister for Agriculture, Simon Coveney TD. Farmers will now be able to draw down 50% of their SPS from 16th October instead of having to wait until December as previously intended. The remaining 50% will be paid from December 1st.

Fine Gael launched its poster campaign for the abolition of the Seanad today (Sunday) with a promise to deal with facts and reality – unlike those that want to retain the Seanad. Speaking at the launch, Fine Gael’s Director of Elections, Richard Bruton, TD, said that the people were being given a simple choice – to abolish the Seanad, or to keep it as it is.

Minister for Justice and Defence Alan Shatter has today (Wednesday) launched a booklet aimed at providing clear fact- based information to voters about the proposed Court of Appeal.

Fine Gael TD for Roscommon/South Leitrim, Frank Feighan, is delighted that a new youth leadership and development programme, devised by NUI Galway and Foróige in partnership with the GAA and the Alan Kerins Projects, will honour the wonderful legacy of the late Dermot Earley.

Extraordinary moment on Morning Ireland from a campaign which claims that the Seanad is a vital check on Government power.

Fine Gael Waterford Deputy, Paudie Coffey, has today (Friday) said that since 2010 the total number of people working in the public sector has been reduced by more than 15,000, which is a clear sign of the Government’s commitment to reforming how we conduct our business.

Fine Gael Cork South Central Deputy, Jerry Buttimer, has today (Friday) said that funding models which would support the development of a Convention Centre in Cork must be explored.

Fine Gael TD for Mayo and Chairman of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport and Communications, John O’Mahony, has welcomed clarification he has received from Irish Rail that under 16s do not have to have a photo ID for rail travel.

I had, of course, been very concerned that a situation had arisen where the State was not in a position to pursue serious criminal charges against an individual who had moved to Brazil.

Seamus Heaney’s death brings great sorrow to Ireland, to language and to literature. He is mourned - and deeply - wherever poetry and the world of the spirit are cherished and celebrated.