Peter Burke, TD

Fine Gael Waterford Minister Paudie Coffey has said that unemployment continued to fall in December and showed that the national unemployment rate now stands at 8.8%; the lowest level in 7 years. Minister Coffey said that this was a sign of real progress in the economy and it was backed up the publication of the 2015 exchequer returns that showed the Country had run a balanced budget for the year; for the first time in 8 years.

Fine Gael TD for Kerry and Member of the Oireachtas Transport Committee, Brendan Griffin, has said that the confirmation today (Monday), by the Minister for Transport, Paschal Donohoe, that €3.8m is to be invested in the N86 will provide a major boost for the economy in West Kerry.

Fine Gael TD for Laois/Offaly, Marcella Corcoran Kennedy, has said that the Taoiseach’s initiative to bring all state agencies together to address the issue of flooding will tackle the problems in the most comprehensive way.

“Decreased motor taxes for road hauliers in 2016 will mean savings for businesses across the country and will help to create jobs”, says Fine Gael TD for Cork North West, Áine Collins.

Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture and TD for Tipperary, Tom Hayes has said that local volunteers have taken the lead in tackling flooding. He has also commended local authorities, the civil defence and emergency services for their excellent work.

Fine Gael Waterford Minister Paudie Coffey has commended the efforts from Various Organisations, such as the Civil Defence, Red Cross, Coast Guard, River Rescue, Fire Service, ESB, Council outdoor staff and so many others who have assisted in trying to combat this huge flood challenge for communities, landowners and householders across the Country. Minister Coffey also said that the government is responding to the flooding issue by implementing schemes of assistance to householders and businesses across Ireland.

Fine Gael Waterford Minister Paudie Coffey has said that changes to commercial motor tax will make a major difference for road hauliers in Waterford.

Fine Gael TD for Mayo, Michelle Mulherin, has expressed her disgust at the opposition’s tactics of using flood stricken families as a tactic to try to score political points.

Fine Gael Waterford Minister has welcomed news from his Ministerial Colleague, the Minister for Agriculture, Food and The Marine Simon Coveney TD that he has allocated in excess of €1 million for Dunmore East Harbour. Minister Coffey said that this funding will build on the significant capital investment that has gone into the village in recent years.

Looking into 2016, Fianna Fáil propose to spend, spend, spend. Yet they have provided no clarity on how they plan to do this.