“The Minister for Finance, Michael Noonan, has launched a public consultation on the potential of tax measures to encourage the development of zoned and serviced land. I would encourage the public to get involved and to contribute to this process”, says Paul Coghlan, Kerry Senator and Government Chief Whip in the Seanad.

Fine Gael Senator for Dublin South-West, Cáit Keane, has urged the Minister for Education & Skills, Jan O’Sullivan, and the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, James Reilly TD, to introduce a strong cross departmental approach in order to improve standards in the childcare sector. The Senator made her comments while speaking at the Association of Childhood Professionals' rally outside Leinster House gates today (Tuesday).

“I am very encouraged by CSO data which shows that almost 73% of people aged 15 years and older are physically active but this still leaves over 25% who are not and no information on the activity levels of our children”, says Peter Fitzpatrick, Fine Gael TD for Louth and Member of the Oireachtas Health Committee.

The Bill provides crucial legal support and protection for children in their relationships with those parenting them. This may include married or unmarried parents, a parent’s partner, grandparents or relatives.

Fine Gael TD for Longford Westmeath, Gabrielle McFadden, has received confirmation from the HSE that the Midland Regional Hospital is holding more local interviews to address nursing shortages at the hospital.

“Two new policies to support the sustainability of small schools announced today by the Minister for Education and Skills, Jan O'Sullivan, while not all encompassing, are a welcome step in the right direction for rural communities”, says Brendan Griffin, Fine Gael TD for Kerry.

Fine Gael TD for Longford/Westmeath, Gabrielle McFadden, has reminded community groups and organisations that application forms for the 2015 National Lottery Health grants will go live on the Department of Health’s website from tomorrow, Tuesday, February 17th.

Fine Gael TD for Dublin Fingal, Alan Farrell has said it is positive that the cost of holding referenda has been reduced since 2008. Deputy Farrell was speaking in response to information obtained from a parliamentary question he submitted to the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Brendan Howlin.

Fine Gael TD for Cork North Wet, Áine Collins, has welcomed the news that ‘Old Young Farmers’ are to be classed as a “group suffering a specific disadvantage”, bringing to an end an anomaly that meant they were discriminated against when it comes to supports to young farmers.

Fine Gael Dublin MEP, Brian Hayes this week voted in the European Parliament in favour of introducing country of origin labelling for meat in processed foods.The European Commission should now bring forward legislation making it mandatory for processed foods to state the origin of its meat.