It is hard to believe that only three weeks ago on the eve of the budget the newspapers were full of concern that there might be a giveaway budget that could jeopardise the national recovery or that not enough would be given away. In the event, every single taxpayer and welfare recipient will be better off as a result of this budget, albeit by a modest amount.

Fine Gael Meath East TD and member of the Oireachtas Health Committee, Regina Doherty, has today (Thursday) encourages all Symphysiotomy victims to consider applying to the redress scheme announced today for women who underwent a surgical symphysiotomy. Former High Court Judge Maureen Harding Clark has been appointed as an independent assessor to oversee the implementation of the scheme.

Fine Gael TD for Kildare South, Martin Heydon, has questioned the need for the Gridlink project on the basis of an ESB submission on national energy policy. Deputy Heydon was speaking in the Dáil this evening (Thursday), where he questioned Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Alex White TD, on the matter.

Fine Gael TD for Laois/Offaly and Chairperson of the Oireachtas Jobs Committee, Marcella Corcoran Kennedy, has commended the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Richard Bruton TD on the success of the Action plan for Jobs and called for a firm focus on job creation, as 800 jobs are announced in one week and the live register drops to 11%.

Fine Gael Cork South West TD, Noel Harrington, has today (Thursday) welcomed the news that the West Cork Arts Centre is to receive a further €212,000 in funding to complete a fit-out of the building.

Fine Gael Cork North West TD, Aine Collins, has said that the launch of a new product in China called ‘Greenlove’ is great news for jobs in Charleville. The infant milk product, produced by Kerry Group in Charleville, is being launched for the Chinese market today (Thursday) in Hangzhou, as part of a Government-led trade mission to China.

Fine Gael MEP for Dublin, and former Minister of State at the Department of Finance, Brian Hayes has said at a Public Meeting tonight, on Tax Reform organised by Dublin Bay South TD, Eoghan Murphy.

Cork South Central Fine Gael TD and chairperson of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Health and Children, Jerry Buttimer, has today (Wednesday) called for a detailed examination of the costs of medicine. Speaking at the Irish Pharmaceutical Healthcare Association’s launch of ifs information booklet ‘Bringing Health and Growth to Ireland’, Deputy Buttimer questioned the current costs of medication in Ireland and proposed that the issue be examined in detail by the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Health and Children.

Fine Gael TD for Cork South Central and Chairperson of the Oireachtas Committee on Health and Children, Jerry Buttimer, has said that the Private Health Insurance Package announced today (Wednesday) will make health insurance more affordable for young people. Deputy Buttimer called on insurance companies to reduce rates for young people taking out a policy.

Fine Gael Clare Senator and Seanad Spokesperson on Justice and Disability, Martin Conway, has urged the Minister for Justice and Equality, Frances Fitzgerald TD, to consider the implications of the Annual Report of Ruhama launched today.