Fine Gael Clare Senator, Martin Conway has today (Thursday) welcomed the announcement by the Junior Minister at the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport, Michael Ring TD, to allocate funding of €58,000 for an artificial playing surface at Kilrush and €58,000 for improved facilities at Tim Smythe Park, Ennis.

Fine Gael Meath West TD, Ray Butler, has today (Thursday) welcomed the approval of funding for Navan Town Council, which will allow for improvements to be made to footpaths and public lighting in the town.

Fine Gael Waterford Deputy, Paudie Coffey, has today (Thursday) welcomed €58,000 worth of funding for Waterford’s Regional Sports Centre (RSC) which will go towards the development of facilities at the centre. Furthermore, Minister Ring has announced €32,000 for a new sprung floor for the Dungarvan Sports Centre bringing the funding total to €90,000.

Fine Gael TD for Limerick and Minister for Finance, Michael Noonan, has expressed his sadness at the death of Fine Gael Councillor and former Cathaoirleach of Limerick County Council, Richard Butler, who has passed away.

The Minister for Justice, Equality and Defence, Alan Shatter TD, today announced the opening of a recruitment campaign for new recruits to An Garda Síochána.

Speaking in the Dáil on a Topical Issue on the standard of care in facilities for people with intellectual disabilities today (Thursday), Fine Gael Dublin Mid West Deputy, Derek Keating, said that monitoring and reviewing standards of care will help to identify instances of abuse among the elderly and vulnerable members of society.

Fine Gael TD for Limerick, Patrick O'Donovan, has expressed his sadness at the death of Cllr. Richard Butler, who passed away yesterday.

The Taoiseach today welcomed the announcement by Japan that it is re-opening its beef market to Irish exports.

Fine Gael Sligo/Leitrim Senator and Seanad Spokesperson on Agriculture, Michael Comiskey, has welcomed the announcement by the Central Statistics Office (CSO) that 25,000 jobs in the agriculture, fishing and forestry sectors have been created in the last twelve months.

An Taoiseach Enda Kenny TD will make a National address on Ireland's exit from the EU/IMF programme at 9.30pm on Sunday, December 15th on RTÉ One.