Heather Humphreys, TD

Fine Gael TD for Kildare South, Martin Heydon, would like Fianna Fáil to confirm what it believes is an acceptable level of staffing for the Irish Defence Forces. Deputy Heydon was responding to criticism by Fianna Fáil’s Justice Spokesperson, Niall Collins of the Government’s decision to maintain Defence Force numbers at 9,500.

Fine Gael Cork North Central Senator, Colm Burke, has welcomed the news that a National Office for Rare Disease is currently being established in the HSE.

Following many difficult years for the Irish people the economy is now moving further into recovery.

“A €300 million investment fund from the Housing Finance Agency and the European Investment Bank will be used to provide 2,000 social housing units over the next three years. Housing of this kind is badly needed in Cobh, Youghal, Midleton, Carrigtwohill, Mallow, Fermoy, Mitchelstown and many rural areas”, says David Stanton, Fine Gael TD for Cork East.

Fine Gael TD for Longford/ Westmeath, Gabrielle McFadden, has said the 90 new nursing staff to be recruited at Mullingar Hospital is a hugely significant development following ongoing concerns about overcrowding and staff shortages at the hospital.

“The Minister for Education and Skills, Jan O'Sullivan has announced the introduction of two new policies which will support the sustainability of small schools. This will come as very welcome news to many small schools throughout County Kerry”, says Jimmy Deenihan, Minister of State with responsibility for the Diaspora and Fine Gael TD for Kerry.

Brian Hayes MEP for Dublin today welcomed a €300 million programme for Social Housing in Ireland part-financed by the European Investment Bank (EIB), saying that this could be important in tackling the serious shortage of supply of housing in Dublin.

Brian Hayes MEP for Dublin has today (Wednesday) welcomed the announcement of two major EU funding projects worth €319 million which will be spent on cross-border cooperation with Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

“Today marks a significant milestone in the development of Maynooth University as a highly modern, competitive and progressive university”, says Fine Gael TD for Kildare North, Bernard Durkan. Deputy Durkan was speaking after the announcement of a €150 million development plan for Maynooth University.

“Two new policies to support the sustainability of small schools announced by the Minister for Education and Skills, Jan O'Sullivan, will mean that St Kieran’s National School in Clareen will remain a three teacher school and Naomh Brogain, Brackna will remain a four teacher school”, says Marcella Corcoran Kennedy, Fine Gael TD for Laois/Offaly.