Minister of State for Finance and Fine Gael TD for Wicklow-East Carlow, Simon Harris, says it's clear from comments made today by Sinn Féin's Deputy leader Mary Lou McDonald that if her party had their way, the USC would be here to stay.

Fine Gael MEP for Dublin, Brian Hayes, today welcomed a letter from the EU Climate Commissioner, which says that Ireland is on course to meet its EU greenhouse gas emissions targets by 2020. Under EU binding targets, Ireland is obliged to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 20%, compared to 2005 levels.

Fine Gael TD for Cork South Central, Jerry Buttimer, has said that a dedicated tourism brand needs to be developed to promote and sell Cork. Deputy Buttimer was commenting following the announcement of a similar initiative for Dublin.

Fine Gael TD for Cork South Central, and Chairperson of the Oireachtas Committee on Health, Jerry Buttimer, has said that new regulations for certain prescription-only medicines will save lives.

Dublin Senator and Fine Gael candidate for Dublin West, Catherine Noone, has said that revenue from a sugar tax, if it is introduced, should be strictly ring-fenced to improve access to free dental care for children.

Fine Gael Longford/Westmeath TD, James Bannon, has today (Thursday) said the opening of the midlands’ largest primary school, St. Mary’s National School, will have a positive impact on Edgeworthstown and the wider community.

Fine Gael Dublin South West Senator, Cáit Keane, has said that children and childcare are a real priority in Budget 2016.

Olivia Mitchell, Fine Gael TD for Dublin Rathdown, has said today’s (Wednesday) announcement by Sage to open a new base in Sandyford and create 300 new jobs, is a great boost for south Dublin and for our economy.

Fine Gael Senator for Kerry, Tom Sheahan, has warmly welcomed the road tax reduction for commercial vehicles saying that the decision by the Minister for Finance, Michael Noonan TD will result in new jobs in the transport industry.

Fine Gael MEP for Dublin, Brian Hayes, has today (Wednesday) welcomed the approval of an additional €400 million in funding for the refugee crisis. The funding was given the green light in a vote in the European Parliament this evening.