Fine Gael Senator for Cork North Central and Seanad Spokesperson on Health, Colm Burke, has today (Wednesday) welcomed the new agreement reached between the Government and the Irish Pharmaceutical Healthcare Association (IPHA).

Fine Gael Dublin Rathdown Senator, and Government spokesman on EU Affairs in the Seanad, Neale Richmond, has repeated his call for Ireland to be an alternative host for the rotating Presidency of the Council of the European Union, which was due to be hosted by the UK in July 2017.

Fine Gael Senator and Government spokesman on EU Affairs in the Seanad, Neale Richmond, has called on the Minister for Justice and Equality to review the citizenship application process in the wake of the Brexit vote. Senator Richmond was speaking on the Order of the Business today (Tuesday).

Speaking during a Seanad debate on social protection this week, Fine Gael Dublin Rathdown Senator, Neale Richmond, has said that Ireland must learn from European mistakes with our new paternity leave laws, and ensure that fathers here in Ireland take up the opportunity.

Fine Gael TD for Louth, Peter Fitzpatrick, has expressed concern over the closure of Dundalk People’s Centre for Information and Training, otherwise known as Dundalk Resource Centre. Deputy Fitzpatrick has said that clarity is needed on the circumstances of the closure.

Addressing the Young Fine Gael Summer School this weekend, Fine Gael Dublin Rathdown Senator Neale Richmond has urged the Irish Government and Irish society to embrace the positives of Europe in the post Brexit age.

Fine Gael Carlow Kilkenny TD and Chair of the Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Pat Deering has said that the announcement of improved access for Irish beef into the US market is really good news for Irish beef farmers.

Fine Gael Mayo Senator, Michelle Mulherin, has said that the motor tax system is not fit for purpose. Speaking in the Seanad recently, Senator Mulherin said that people paying motor tax in instalments should not be forced to pay more.

Fine Gael Dublin Rathdown Senator, Neale Richmond, has welcomed the approval by Government of the new Education (Admission to Schools) Bill 2016, saying it will remove discrimination in school admissions.

Fine Gael Senator Paddy Burke has said that special borrowing rates could assist farmers and small businesses with their finances at certain times of the year, when things are tough. Senator Burke was speaking on the matter in the Seanad this week.