Richard Bruton, TD

A Cheann Comhairle Last Tuesday speaking in this House, I stated that the Garda Síochána and the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission are vital pillars in our democratic policing structures. The work of the Garda Síochána in fighting crime, combating terrorism, and protecting the public is of critical importance.

Fine Gael Cork North West TD, Aine Collins, has today (Wednesday) welcomed the announcement that the amount of female-led start-up companies winning State investment has almost trebled in 12 months. Deputy Collins was speaking after the Minister for Jobs, Richard Bruton TD, announced that 1,850 jobs will be created over the next three years by 122 High Potential Start-Up (HPSU) companies.

Penalty points for using a mobile phone will shortly rise from two to three after the Oireachtas enacted the latest Road Traffic Bill in the Seanad today (Tuesday), Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport Leo Varadkar has said.

Jim Higgins MEP and Mairead McGuinness MEP will be the Fine Gael candidates for the Midlands-North West Consistency.

Minister for European Affairs, Paschal Donohoe TD, has today (Wednesday) deplored the outbreak of violence in Ukraine, calling on all sides to refrain from hostilities.

"I have briefed Cabinet today on developments that have occurred in relation to the GSOC controversy following on from the Committee on Public Service Oversight and Petitions hearing last Wednesday. I have also briefed the Cabinet in relation to further information and documentation received from GSOC and further technical information I have received regarding the alleged surveillance of GSOC.

Fine Gael Meath East TD, Helen McEntee, has today (Wednesday) said that the Pyrite Resolution Board (PRB) will be in a position to accept applications from next week after, it was announced that the Pyrite Remediation Scheme has been published and the Board’s online application system will go live from 26th February 2014.

Leas] Cathaoirleach, I am standing in for my colleague the Minister for Justice and Equality who is unavailable at present.

Fine Gael Wicklow TD and member of the Public Accounts Committee, Simon Harris, has today (Wednesday) called on the board of St Vincent’s University Hospital to make an immediate statement on how it intends to bring itself into line with public pay rules. His call comes after it was revealed that St Vincent’s is the only hospital still in breach of public pay policy.

Fine Gael TD for Kildare South and Chair of Fine Gael’s Internal Agriculture Committee, Martin Heydon, has today (Tuesday) said that he is very pleased that the Minister for Transport, Leo Varadkar TD, has agreed to his proposal to allow a derogation from vehicle height restrictions for the haulage of hay and straw. In response to a question from Deputy Heydon, Minister Varadkar confirmed today that he has asked his officials to draft regulations to allow for a narrow exemption for the haulage of agricultural fodder from the height limits brought in by the 2008 regulations.