Regina Doherty, MEP

Fine Gael TD for Louth, Peter Fitzpatrick, has said today (Tuesday) that Microfinance Ireland (MFI) offering small businesses in Louth the opportunity to avail of a cut in its interest rates is great news. MFI is the not-for-profit Government Agency providing funded finance to micro- enterprises.

Fine Gael Meath Senator, Ray Butler, has called on SMEs and farmers in Meath to avail of Strategic Banking Cooperation of Ireland funding to grow their businesses.

Fine Gael Cork Senator, Jerry Buttimer, has said that the issue of transatlantic flights from Cork Airport should be raised with Vice-President Biden, during his visit to Ireland this week.

Fine Gael TD for Louth, Peter Fitzpatrick, has welcomed the the news that Dundalk company Intact has secured investment of €1.9 million, which will create around 30 jobs over the next two years.

Fine Gael Cork Senator, Jerry Buttimer, has welcomed the announcement by the Minister for Justice and Equality, Frances Fitzgerald, and the Minister for Social Protection, Leo Varadkar, that the Government is to provide fathers with two weeks of paid paternity leave.

Leas-Cathaoirleach of Seanad Éireann, Fine Gael Senator in Kerry Paul Coghlan, has warmly welcomed the Taoiseach’s appointment of his Kerry colleague, Brendan Griffin TD, as chairman of the Oireachtas Committee on Transport, Tourism and Sport.

Fine Gael TD for Louth, Peter Fitzpatrick, said that maximum per kg rates for household waste collection should be introduced.

Fine Gael TD for Dublin South-West, Colm Brophy, says the new report from the Oireachtas Committee on Housing and Homelessness is an important step in tackling the lack of housing supply and the increasing problem of homelessness. However Deputy Brophy has hit out at committee member Deputy Ruth Coppinger for her decision to walk away and introduce her own minority report.

Fine Gael Cork Senator, Colm Burke, has welcomed the publication of the HSE’s Annual Report and Financial Statements for 2015, which shows that 63,000 people per week attend out-patient clinics. The report outlines how the HSE has responded to the many challenges it faces, in providing a quality health service for all, as well as providing for population growth and increased life expectancy.

Fine Gael TD for Dublin North West, Noel Rock has called for clear action to be taken in relation to the huge rise in bin charges, being imposed by waste companies across the country.