Jerry Buttimer, TD

A dhaoine uaisle, a chairde, oíche mhaith agaibh go léir agus fáilte go Gaillimh. I am deeply honoured to address you this evening in Ollscoil na Gaillimh as I prepare to take on the greatest challenge of my life.

Commissioner, Oireachtas members, former Oireachtas members, councillors, members of executive council, delegates, and friends. Fáilte chuig Ollscoil na Gallimhe agus a 82ú Ard Fheis Fhine Gael. Delegates, this is my fourteenth Ard Fheis and the last that at which I will speak to you as Taoiseach and Party President. I want to take this opportunity to thank you all for your loyalty, your hard work, your support, and your friendship for the 7 years I spent as Party Leader and 13 years in Government. 

Childcare supply must be boosted nationwide by both changes to the planning system and access to subsidies for childminding, Fine Gael Senator Emer Currie has said.

Minister Heather Humphreys TD has said she is honoured at being appointed Deputy Leader of Fine Gael by the new leader of the party, Minister Simon Harris TD.

The new leader of Fine Gael has given a firm commitment that the party will continue to back and champion rural Ireland and the agriculture sector at a meeting with a party representative group.

The new leader of Fine Gael has said businesses will continue to be supported and their challenges will be responded to at a meeting with a party representative group.

A tailored hospitality VAT rate is necessary to support small businesses disproportionately affected by an avalanche of cost increases, Fine Gael Senator has said.

Consumers should be allowed to cancel their TV and internet service contracts without giving 30 days notice, a Fine Gael Senator has said.

Representatives of the Higher Education Authority (HEA) and the University of Limerick must appear before the Oireachtas Committee on Education, Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to explain occurrences with the provision of housing at the university, a Fine Gael TD has said.

A common application process would streamline post-primary school admissions, alleviating stress for parents and students, and giving clarity to the Department of Education on overall shortages, a Fine Gael Senator has said.