European Central Bank President, Mario Draghi, today (Thursday) answered questions in the European Parliament's ECON committee on the circumstances that led to the Irish bailout. Brian Hayes MEP, who questioned the ECB President, commented that ECB actions ultimately made the bailout situation worse for Ireland.

Fine Gael TD for Cork South Central, and Chairperson of the Oireachtas Committee on Health, Jerry Buttimer, has said that the package of patient safety measures, announced by Minister for Health Leo Varadkar, are very welcome and will be a significant boost to patient confidence.

In line with our strategy to secure regional recovery, we have specifically prioritised new investment for Cork and the South West region.

Fine Gael TD for Cork South Central, Jerry Buttimer, has said that the news of Apple’s expansion is great for Cork and an important vote of confidence in the county.

Fine Gael Cork North Central Senator, Colm Burke, has welcomed Apple’s announcement of 1,000 new jobs, saying it is a huge boost for Hollyhill and Cork.

The new housing supply and rent stability measures announced this week by the Government will significantly help to reduce social housing waiting lists, particularly in Dublin”, says Fine Gael TD for Dublin South Central, Catherine Byrne.

Dublin Senator and Fine Gael candidate for Dublin West, Catherine Noone, has called on the four Dublin Councils to adopt a ‘no fry zone’ of 500m around schools and playgrounds.

To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources when his Department will complete the review of the proposals from the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government, on wind energy guidelines and its implications for our 2020 renewable energy targets; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to reopen the opportunity for local authorities to apply for funding for municipal swimming pools; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources when his Department will complete the review of the proposals from the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government, on wind energy guidelines and its implications for our 2020 renewable energy targets; and if he will make a statement on the matter.