Fine Gael Kerry Senator and Seanad Chief Whip, Paul Coghlan, has today (Wednesday) welcomed the extension of the fuel rebate to private coach operators, saying it would be a welcome boost to tour companies. The measure was announced as part of the Finance Bill.

Fine Gael TD for Wicklow, Simon Harris, has today (Wednesday) welcomed the announcement by the Minister for Finance, Michael Noonan TD, of the inclusion of private bus operators in the fuel rebate scheme. Deputy Harris was speaking following the publication of the Finance Bill in the Dáil today.

Fine Gael Waterford Deputy, Paudie Coffey, has welcomed the inclusion in the Finance Bill, which was published today (Wednesday), of a fuel rebate of 7.5 cents on a litre of auto-diesel for hauliers and members of the licenced passenger transport sector, saying it will give much needed breathing space to both sectors.

Fine Gael TD for Cork South West, Noel Harrington, has welcomed confirmation by the HSE of the upcoming changes to the ambulances service in West Cork, which he says will better service the people of the region and help to save lives.

Fine Gael TD for Kildare North, Anthony Lawlor, was delighted to learn today (Wednesday) on publication of the Finance Bill that a suggestion made by him last week to the Minster for Finance, Michael Noonan TD, that special exemptions for the property tax should apply to homes which have been adapted for disabled persons was accepted.

Fine Gael TD for Carlow/Kilkenny, Pat Deering, has today (Wednesday) welcomed the announcement by the Minister for Finance, Michael Noonan TD, that homes that have had work carried out for people with disabilities will receive special exemptions for the property tax.

Fine Gael Minister of State and Galway East TD, Ciaran Cannon, has today (Wednesday) said the decision by the Minister for Finance, Michael Noonan TD, to allow for exemptions to the property tax where improvements have been made to homes for people with disabilities is a fair approach. The measure was announced as part of the Finance Bill, which was published today.

Frances Fitzgerald T.D Minister for Children and Youth Affairs has today announced details of funding for €500,000 to 8 youth projects around the country to support the development of Youth Cafés for young people.