Richard Bruton, TD

Fine Gael Waterford Deputy, Paudie Coffey, has today (Thursday) raised the issue of EU Regional Aid in the Dáil and called on the Government to ensure that it is rebalanced to give more assistance to the South East.

Fine Gael Dublin Senator, Catherine Noone, has today (Monday) said the success of the Big Energy Switch proves that by acting as a collective, consumers can greatly improve their bargaining power. More than 22,000 people have already joined the initiative, which aims to empower consumers to reduce energy prices.

Fine Gael Wicklow TD and Candidate for Ireland South, Simon Harris, has today (Thursday) welcomed new rules to protect holidaymakers approved this week by the European Parliament, adding that the move is a perfect example of how the European Parliament can have a real impact on all of our lives.

Fine Gael Meath East TD, Helen McEntee, has today (Monday) said job creation and agriculture were top of the agenda at the Fine Gael Ard Fheis over the weekend. In excess of 3,000 delegates attended the event at the RDS in Dublin. Deputy McEntee participated in a number of sessions, including the televised live session on jobs, and the panel on agriculture, both of which took place on Saturday.

Speaking following his tour this week of some of our universities and primary schools engaged in the Blue Star Programme, Minister for European Affairs, Paschal Donohoe TD, said the level of engagement from students was both inspiring and encouraging for the future.

The Minister for Justice, Equality and Defence, Alan Shatter TD, today announced some targeted changes in the Start-up Entrepreneur Programme (STEP) operated by his Department. The changes, which were agreed by the Government, followed a review of the operation of the STEP and are intended to refine the programme and improve its appeal to potential migrant entrepreneurs.

Minister for Justice, Equality and Defence Alan Shatter TD welcomed the EU Commission’s proposals for a three-stage Rule of Law Framework which were published on Tuesday (11 March 2014).

More landmark buildings in Dublin and across Ireland will be turning green this year to mark St Patrick’s Day including the GPO, the Rock of Cashel, Trim Castle, Heuston Station and the National Gallery, Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport Leo Varadkar and Minister of State with special responsibility for the Office of Public Works Brian Hayes have confirmed.

Fine Gael TD for Wicklow-East Carlow and Candidate for Ireland South, Simon Harris, has today (Thursday) welcomed a new youth advocacy project ahead of the European Elections. European Movement Ireland and a number of partners are bringing together a group of 18 to 25 year olds as part of the 32-county initiative.

The Football Association of Ireland today (March 3) announced the start of work on the first phase of its National Training Centre on the National Sports Campus with a sod turning ceremony involving Minister Leo Varadkar TD, Minister Joan Burton TD, FAI CEO John Delaney, DDSL Chairman of the Board of Directors, Brendan Bermingham, DDSL Chairman, Paddy Dempsey, Chairman of the NSCDA Sean Benton, CEO of the Irish Sports Council John Treacy and Republic of Ireland management team, Martin O’Neill and Roy Keane.