Richard Bruton, TD

Fine Gael candidate in the Dublin South West bye-election, Senator Cáit Keane, has called on people to support the local mental health organisations, saying the work they do is often unacknowledged.

I have informed the Taoiseach that under the circumstances, I am withdrawing my name and asking the Members of the Oireachtas not to vote for me in the upcoming Seanad bye-election.

I wish to address a number of issues in relation to the appointment of John McNulty to the Board of Directors of the Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA).

Fine Gael Meath East TD, Regina Doherty has today (Tuesday) said that it is imperative we extend the successful Breastcheck programme to women over 65 in order to save more lives.

Fine Gael Meath TD, Helen McEntee, has hailed the Certification Programme introduced by the Association of Craft Butcher in Ireland (ACBIO) in driving standards for traceability and quality in our food retail business. Deputy McEntee was speaking at the recent Certified Craft Butchers Award ceremony.

Fine Gael MEPs have welcomed the news that €850 million in new European Investment Bank (EIB) lending will be made available to Ireland this year. In 2010, it was €210 million. MEPs Sean Kelly (South), Mairead McGuinness (Midlands North West), Brian Hayes (Dublin) and Deirdre Clune (South) requested this afternoon’s meeting with the EIB to discuss the instrumental role the EU’s bank will continue to play in restoring growth and prosperity to Member States such as Ireland.

2nd free pre-school year would represent up to €3000 free childcare for parents and would generate thousands of new jobs, says FG bye-election candidate and Senator

Department continues to liaise with the authorities at the various denominational schools in the various urban and rural areas with a view to maintaining the highest level of commitment in respect of smaller schools deemed to be under threat

Fine Gael Senator for Clare, and the Party’s Seanad Spokesperson on Justice, Disability and Equality, Martin Conway, has welcomed the announcement by the Minister for Justice and Equality, Frances Fitzgerald TD, of the publication of the General Scheme of the Children and Family Relationships Bill.

Fine Gael TD for Laois Offaly, Marcella Corcoran Kennedy, speaking this week in the Dáil on the First Stage of the Criminal Law (Child Grooming) Bill 2014, a Bill which she herself put forward, explained why making child grooming for sexual exploitation an offence is necessary.