Fine Gael Dublin MEP, Brian Hayes, has said today (Wednesday), that the European Commission's new proposals on retail financial services have the potential to create a real internal market for everyday financial products such as mortgages. EU Commissioner for Financial Services, Jonathan Hill, is due to launch the Commission's Green Paper on Retail Financial Services this Thursday 10th December.

Fine Gael Cork North West TD, Áine Collins, has welcomed the reduction in fees for retailers accepting payment by debit and credit cards. The cost for retailers of accepting card payments is being halved from today (Wednesday), following the announcement by the Minister for Finance in the Budget 2016 speech.

Fine Gael TD for Meath East, Regina Doherty, has said that the provision of €1.5 million to improve the qualifications of pre-school workers will help improve the quality of care and education provided to young children across the county.

Fine Gael Senator for Kerry, Tom Sheahan has welcomed the agreement by the Minister of State at the Department of Health, Kathleen Lynch, to back the first ever Irish Autism Awareness Day, which will link in with International Autism Awareness Day on 2nd April. Government buildings, OPW buildings and Local Authority buildings will be invited to go blue in support.

Fine Gael TD for Meath East, Regina Doherty, said today (Wednesday) that Fianna Fáil has no jobs policy and wasted four and a half years in opposition taking populist and self-interested positions and failed to outline any alternative policies.

Fine Gael TD for Cork South West, Jim Daly, has welcomed the announcement of €5 million in funding for small businesses with no insurance which were affected by the recent floods.

Fine Gael TD for Cork South West, Noel Harrington has said it is very good news that West Cork farmers will not have to contribute to the €67.6 million of funding that is being clawed back from Ireland by the EU Commission.

Fine Gael TD for Cork South West, Noel Harrington, has said that news of a greenlight for the Seafood Development Operational Programme is very welcome for fishing communities and will help to create jobs in West Cork.

Fine Gael Waterford Minister Paudie Coffey has had a very busy legislative period in the run up to Christmas. Minister Coffey has been passing legislation in both the Dáil and the Seanad Chamber over the last number of weeks; including critically important legislation regarding the current national housing situation.

Fine Gael TD for Meath West, Damien English, has said that the steady reduction in the number of people signing on the Live Register in Meath is strengthening the growing local economy.