John Paul Phelan, TD

“The new plans for the Dominican Priory in Athy are a fitting tribute to the Dominican fathers who served so diligently there almost 800 years,” says Martin Heydon, Fine Gael TD for Kildare South.

Brian Hayes MEP today said that tax authorities in the EU, including Irish Revenue, will now have to share sensitive tax details about companies operating in their territories with other tax authorities.

Fine Gael Waterford Minister Paudie Coffey has said that if Fine Gael are re-elected to government next Spring, the party will abolish the Universal Social Charge. Fine Gael before the last general election gave a commitment to review the USC and not increase income taxes. Since then we have cut income taxes; removed 700,000 people from paying the USC and cut the USC for every worker that earns up to €70,000.

Brian Hayes MEP today said that the European Central Bank needs to completely redesign its Quantitative Easing programme before any expansion of QE is considered. Mr. Hayes made his comments following a statement by ECB President Mario Draghi that QE will be re-examined in December.

Fine Gael Waterford Minister Paudie Coffey has said that the North Quays Redevelopment is a top priority for Waterford City. Minister Coffey said the site is a brownfield site that has never reached its full potential; which is completely unacceptable given its position adjacent to the heart of Waterford City.

At a delightful event in the Autumn sunshine this afternoon Minister Paudie Coffey T.D. was delighted to attend, along with his government and Labour colleague Deputy Ciara Conway and other public representatives, the formal “sod-turning” of the new Gaelscoil which is already underway.

Speaking on a visit with Principal Sheila Creed, Minister Coffey stated his belief that this project will see a new lease of life for the school and lead to the creation of a more nourishing learning environment for the present and future generation of pupils at Kilmacthomas Primary School.

Fine Gael Waterford Minister Paudie Coffey has welcomed the announced commencement of advanced payments to farmers under the 2015 Basic Payment Scheme and the Greening Payment.

Fine Gael Kerry Senator and Seanad Chief Whip, Paul Coghlan, has welcomed the progress made by the Minster for Agriculture, Simon Coveney, in introducing new supports for those farming Hen Harrier areas.

Fine Gael TD for Cork East and Chairperson of the Oireachtas Justice Committee, David Stanton has said that further consideration should be given to Justice Committee recommendations to extend Daylight Saving Time by three weeks.