Peter Burke, TD

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.

“It is estimated that 1,500 hospital beds are occupied every night in our hospitals, directly because of alcohol related cases, costing an estimated €1.2 billion annually. This is a national shame and an issue that must be addressed head on through the implementation of the Public Health (Alcohol) Bill 2015”, says Peter Fitzpatrick, Fine Gael TD for Louth and Member of the Oireachtas Health Committee.

The Strategy represents a new action-oriented approach to growing and developing the international financial services sector based on the very successful Action Plan for Jobs model.

Fine Gael Longford/Westmeath TD, Gabrielle McFadden, has welcomed the news that many soldiers will benefit from a four year extension to their service, thanks to a recommendation in the report of a third party adjudicator in relation to a mandatory rule forcing the retirement of hundreds of soldiers after 21 years of service.

“Meath clubs should apply now for Sports Capital funding,” says Fine Gael Meath West TD, Ray Butler. Deputy Butler was speaking after confirmation from the Minister for Sport, Michael Ring TD, that an extra €40 million has been secured for Sports Capital Programme in 2015.

Fine Gael TD for Cork North Central, and Minister for European Affairs, Dara Murphy, has welcomed Pfizer’s decision to reverse planned jobs cuts at its Little Island facility, describing it as very positive news and a welcome development, which will provide job security into the future for the 160 workers and their families. It also represents a vote of confidence in the workers and the plant's productivity, and sends a very positive message to other prospective multinationals, looking to invest in Ireland. OECD and EU statistics show that the Irish economy has been dramatically improving, with Ireland standing out among its European partners, with the highest economic growth rate in the EU (2014).

Fine Gael TD for Carlow/Kilkenny, Pat Deering, today (Tuesday), held a very positive meeting with the Minister for Transport, Paschal Donohue TD, at which the future of Bus Éireann Route 5 was discussed.

The Government is introducing emergency legislation following a decision today by the Court of Appeal regarding a challenge to the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977.

Brian Hayes, MEP for Dublin, today (Tuesday), welcomed the European Parliament's approval of a Regulation that will cap credit and debit card charges and will lead to huge savings for retailers and consumers.

Yesterday marked four years since this Government took office.