Fine Gael Senator for Kerry, Tom Sheahan, has warmly welcomed the road tax reduction for commercial vehicles saying that the decision by the Minister for Finance, Michael Noonan TD will result in new jobs in the transport industry.

Fine Gael MEP for Dublin, Brian Hayes, has today (Wednesday) welcomed the approval of an additional €400 million in funding for the refugee crisis. The funding was given the green light in a vote in the European Parliament this evening.

The main aim of yesterday’s Budget is to keep the recovery going.

Fine Gael TD for Cork East and Chairperson of the Oireachtas Justice Committee, David Stanton, has said that the announcement of 600 new Gardaí in Budget 2016 marks the Government’s commitment to increasing resources for an An Garda Síochána.

Fine Gael TD and Chairperson of the Oireachtas Committee on Transport and Communications, John O’Mahony has welcomed changes to commercial motor tax which will mean an annual saving of over €4,000 for hauliers across the country.

Fine Gael TD for Laois/Offaly and Chairperson of the Oireachtas Jobs Committee, Marcella Corcoran Kennedy, has said that Budget 2016 is good for job creation and good for local businesses.

“As a business person, the most striking thing about Budget 2016 for me is that it delivers a range of measures to support small and family businesses”, says Fine Gael TD for Cork North West, Áine Collins.

2016, the centenary of the Easter Rising, is an opportunity to reflect on the journey travelled over the past 100 years. To recall the many major social and economic challenges along the way. It is the opportunity to celebrate the achievements, and to remember how we overcame the challenges and emerged from each stronger than ever before.

I know I can speak for all in this House when I express deep shock and sadness at the deaths over the last weekend in separate but equally tragic events