Simon Coveney, TD

Following the announcement last week, as part of the Finance Bill, that employers will be able to gift vouchers of up to €500, tax free, Fine Gael Waterford Minister Paudie Coffey has welcomed the news that this measure will be fast tracked on time for Christmas.

Fine Gael TD for Carlow/Kilkenny, Pat Deering, has today (Thursday) voiced his support for the proposal to establish a UK style student loan system to fund third level education in Ireland.

“Fianna Fáil TDs are going around trying to frighten people by saying that 1,500 Gardaí are eligible to retire, suggesting the force will be much weakened as a result. The truth on Garda retirements, according to figures I received from the Department of Justice, is that just 291 Gardaí retired in 2014. A further 209 Gardaí retired in the first three quarters of this year suggesting that the annual total for this year will again be below 300.

Fine Gael Dublin South Central TD, Catherine Byrne, has welcomed the news that the Kilmainham Gaol volunteers are to be recognised as part of the 2016 commemorations.

Fine Gael Meath East TD, Helen McEntee, has called on Doosan to clarify the situation with workers in Geith International in Slane.

Fine Gael Dublin MEP, Brian Hayes today (Thursday) said that British people's trust in the EU is worryingly low. MEP Hayes made the comments following the publication of the latest Eurobarometer survey.

An Taoiseach, Enda Kenny TD, has said today (Wednesday) that Fine Gael is determined to equalise the tax treatment of self-employed workers in Waterford, by 2018. The Taoiseach was speaking at the launch of Fine Gael’s online tax calculator, which allows everyone who pays income tax or USC to see how they benefit from tax cuts introduced in Budget 2016.

Fine Gael Wexford TD, Michael D'Arcy, has said that the equalisation of the tax system is great news for all of the self-employed in Wexford.

Fine Gael TD for Laois/Offaly, Marcella Corcoran Kennedy, has urged the Oireachtas Committee on Communications, Energy and Natural Resources to invite the International Energy Agency (IEA), the Commission for Energy Regulation (ComReg), Eirgrid, ESB, Minister for Communications, Alex White, Minister for the Environment, Alan Kelly and any other relevant bodies to discuss the current situation in relation to renewable energy and future plans for energy security.

Fine Gael TD for Kerry and Minister of State, Jimmy Deenihan, has welcomed the announcement by the Minister for Health Leo Varadkar that the St Vincent de Paul Society in Listowel will receive €50,000, for the renovation of their centre.