Fine Gael TD for Clare and Chairman of the Oireachtas Foreign Affairs Committee, Pat Breen, has welcomed the launch of Global Irish, the first clear statement of the Government’s policy on the diaspora by the Minister for the Diaspora, Jimmy Deenihan, alongside an Taoiseach, Enda Kenny.

“Louth Local Enterprise Office (LEO) is to lead a programme of two new regional development initiatives that will strengthen SMEs and assist unemployed graduates to become entrepreneurs. This is the first programme of its kind in this country which will contribute to growth in the regions”, says Peter Fitzpatrick, Fine Gael TD for Louth.

Minister of State at the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht and Fine Gael TD for Donegal, Joe McHugh, has encouraged Donegal farmers to attend a meeting on the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) taking place in Letterkenny on Monday, 9th March 2015. The meeting forms part of a series of 14 regional information meetings in relation to CAP implementation.

I am particularly pleased to be launching this policy document at a time in this country when we are securing our recovery, and Ireland has reclaimed its place in the world.

Fine Gael TD for Dublin Fingal, Alan Farrell has stated that, regardless of the short-term gain which any sale of the Government’s share in Aer Lingus may have, securing Aer Lingus’ long-term future in Ireland must be the prominent consideration in terms of examining any offer for our national carrier.

“Dithering, indecisive and too willing to give in to special interests”, is how Senator Catherine Noone has summed up the European Council on foot of news that the abolition of roaming charges within the European Union is to be delayed.

Fine Gael TD for Dun Laoghaire, Mary Mitchell O’Connor, has commended the Dun Laoghaire Community for their engagement and passion in combating the issue of obesity. Deputy Mitchell O’Connor was speaking following a successful public meeting on obesity in Dun Laoghaire this morning (Monday).

Fine Gael Dublin MEP, Brian Hayes has today (Monday) expressed his frustration that the abolition of roaming charges for mobile phones will not occur until at least 2018. The European Council recently granted an extension for abolishing the charges which were due to come into force at the end of this year.

Fine Gael TD, Martin Heydon, has encouraged Kildare farmers to attend a meeting on the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) taking place in Newbridge on Thursday, 12th March 2015. The meeting forms part of a series of 14 regional information meetings in relation to CAP implementation.