Fine Gael TD for Meath West, Ray Butler, has said that there has been great progress on the Ireland’s Ancient East tourism initiative and has encouraged local groups and businesses to apply for the first phase of capital grants to develop visitor experiences. Deputy Butler was speaking on receipt of an update on the project from Fáilte Ireland.

Fine Gael TD for Longford/ Westmeath, Gabrielle McFadden, has welcomed the news that the major refurbishment and extension works planned at Mullingar Courthouse came a step closer today (Monday) following the announcement by the Justice Minister, Frances Fitzgerald, that a joint venture company has been identified to deliver the project.

Fine Gael Dublin South Central TD, Catherine Byrne, has welcomed the creation of 20 new jobs in the Digital Hub in Dublin 8. The news comes as the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation announces 185 new jobs in 6 IDA Ireland client companies across the country today (Monday).

The Government will tomorrow (Tuesday) consider a trial abolition of one and two cent coins, which will see prices rounded to the nearest five-cent unit. This development came following Senator Catherine Noone’s call for this scheme to be expanded nationally just last week.

“UPC’s decision to axe its payments system through the post office network nation-wide is causing distress for some of its rural customers and the company needs to show some leeway in the transition period”, according to Fine Gael Carlow Kilkenny TD, John Paul Phelan.

Fine Gael TD for Louth, Peter Fitzpatrick, has said that while he is very concerned about the news that a suspected case of BSE has been detected in county Louth, he is relieved that there is no human risk.

Fine Gael TD, John O’Mahony, has been in contact with Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Richard Burton TD, and has requested that full support be provided from Government agencies following the news that Ballinrobe based Irish Pride bakery has gone into receivership with a risk to approximately sixty jobs.

Fine Gael Senator for Louth, Jim D’Arcy, has welcomed the OPW award for coastal flooding defence fund and an erosion risk management study for Louth.

Fine Gael TD for Kildare South, Martin Heydon, has today (Thursday) raised the matter of Naas Hospital in the Dáil with Minister for Health Leo Varadkar. He received a commitment from the Minister in relation to protecting Naas Hospital against additional demands due to any possible changes at Portlaoise Hospital and he also called for additional capacity at Naas.

Fine Gael Cork North Central Senator, Colm Burke, has said that kidney donors should apply for the compensation scheme set up late last year, to reimburse them for their expenses and loss of earnings.