Jerry Buttimer, TD

Fine Gael TD for Dublin South West and Minister of State at the Department of Finance and the OPW, Brian Hayes, has today (Wednesday) announced that he is putting his name forward as a candidate for nomination to run in the Dublin constituency in the upcoming European Parliament elections.

Fine Gael Dublin Senator, Cáit Keane, has today (Wednesday) called for a re-assessment of the new commercial rates set by Dublin City Council for Croke Park and the Aviva Stadium, after it was announced that rates will more than double on each stadium. Senator Keane added that the Government should re-examine the new Valuation Bill to include a derogation for sporting organisations.

Clare Fine Gael TD, Joe Carey, has suggested old car tyres should be used in port, coastal and river areas, to help prevent flooding and erosion. Deputy Carey added that the move could help to prevent the sort of damage caused by the recent storms in coastal areas around the country.

The AAIU has published its Final Report into the fatal public transport accident that occurred at Cork Airport in February 2011. The AAIU recognises that this is a difficult time for those families who lost loved ones and the surviving passengers who suffered injuries in this tragic accident. Our deepest sympathies to all concerned.

The incident raised public health and safety issues regarding overcrowding outside venues that should be addressed urgently by venue owners in collaboration with the gardai, fire services and local authorities.

Fine Gael Wicklow/East Carlow, Simon Harris, has welcomed the news that the Health Service Executive (HSE) has accepted the recommendations of the Ombudsman, Peter Tyndall, in relation to the inclusion of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in the Long Term Illness Scheme.

Fine Gael Dublin South Central TD, Catherine Byrne, has today (Tuesday) called on the pub and nightclub industry to act responsibly in their promotion of events to young people. Deputy Byrne’s call comes in the wake of an incident on Harcourt Street last night which left a number of young people injured.

Fine Gael Cork North Central Senator and the Party’s Seanad Spokesperson on Health, Colm Burke, today (Tuesday) expressed concern at the worrying gap in services for dementia patients in Irish hospitals. Senator Burke was speaking following the publication of the first national audit of dementia care services in acute hospitals carried out by researchers at UCC.

Fine Gael Cork South Central TD, Jerry Buttimer, has today (Monday) said that the news that Tyco is establishing a business service centre in Cork with the potential creation of 500 jobs is a great boost for the city and proof that is has regained its competitiveness. Tyco is the world’s largest fire protection and security company.