This afternoon Leo Varadkar, Leader of Fine Gael, addressed the first meeting of the Fine Gael Parliamentary Party since his election as Leader.

The pilot-scheme initiative that I am announcing today is one of ten tasks of The Creative Ireland programme for this year.

"I had a series of meetings today with Fianna Fáil Leader Micheál Martin, and Independent Ministers and TDs.

Strong jobs growth, falling unemployment and an expanding workforce are clear indicators that there is strong momentum in the Irish economy, according to Fine Gael Cork Senator, Colm Burke.

Fine Gael Dublin Rathdown Senator, Neale Richmond, has encouraged local groups to apply for newly available environmental funding to help improve their local areas.

A €10 million investment by global healthcare company Abbott, will help create new jobs in Sligo, local Fine Gael TD Tony McLoughlin has said.

Fine Gael rounded off a series of hustings for its leadership election in Cork last night (Sunday), with Party members hearing the two candidates debate their vision for the future of the country and the Party.

Communications expert, Gavin Duffy, will be the convener at the four Fine Gael Leadership Election debates.

In accordance with Rule 49 of the Fine Gael Constitution and Rules, nominations are now closed for the Fine Gael Leadership Election 2017.