The decision by my Government to open the new Ireland House in Austin demonstrates Ireland’s commitment to Texas and the strong value that we attach to Ireland-Texan relations both now and into the future.

The Irish Government understands that most future jobs will be from new businesses and sectors that don’t yet exist.

During the recent economic crisis the Irish people gave a clear mandate to a new government - to fix the public finances and get our country working again.

The Taoiseach begins his St. Patrick’s Day visit today, with a visit to Atlanta – the first stop on a three-city programme in the US focused on jobs, trade and investment.

“The approval of the phased re-payment of the superlevy fine due to be imposed on dairy farmers is a great boost to local farmers and will help to ease financial concerns”, says Fine Gael Bye Election candidate, David Fitzgerald.

Cork North Central Senator for Fine Gael and the party’s Seanad Spokesperson for Health, Colm Burke, has today (Thursday) stated that Cork City Council needs to take responsibility for and act on the current situation regarding Housing Adaptation Grants for those with disabilities in Cork.

The CSO figures for 2014 show that the Irish economy grew by 4.8% in GDP terms and by 5.2% in GNP terms in 2014.