Josepha Madigan, TD

Dara Murphy, Minister for European Affairs and Fine Gael TD for Cork North Central, has welcomed today’s decision by An Bord Pleanala to grant planning permission to the Port of Cork, for a new container facility near the Ringaskiddy ferry terminal and an extension to the deep-water berth.

Speaking on the sale of Aer Lingus to IAG, Fine Gael TD for Cavan/Monaghan, Joe O’Reilly outlined to the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Paschal Donohoe, his concern for the many people who commute to work in Dublin Airport.

“Sinn Féin is effectively lying to the people of Carlow with its two faced stance on the sugar beet industry; supporting it here at home and all the while, undermining it in Europe,” says Fine Gael TD for Carlow-Kilkenny, Pat Deering.

Aer Lingus has a long history and a close association with the State. For 70 of the nearly 80 years of its existence, it was State owned and although a majority stake in the airline was privatised some nine years ago, it still has a special place in the hearts of the Irish people.

Fine Gael TD for Wicklow/East Carlow and Chairman of the Oireachtas Agriculture Committee, Andrew Doyle, has today called for improved farm safety awareness for our children and has called on the Minister for Education, Jan O’Sullivan to consider introducing a farm safety module on the primary school curriculum for primary schools.

Fine Gael, Dublin MEP, Brian Hayes, today (Thursday) accompanied an EU tax delegation to Dublin which is seeking to examine Ireland's corporate tax system. Speaking during the delegation visit, Mr. Hayes commented that an EU Commission proposal to introduce a common corporate tax base, which is expected to be released next month, must respect the principles of sovereignty enshrined in the EU treaties.

Fine Gael MEP for Ireland South, and former GAA President, Sean Kelly, has called for "long overdue change" at the helm of FIFA - soccer's international governing body - following reports that seven serving FIFA officials have been arrested in Switzerland on corruption charges. Those arrested included two vice-presidents and did not include FIFA President Sepp Blatter.

Clare Fine Gael TD, Joe Carey, has said that the proposed deal on the sale of the Government’s minority shareholding in Aer Lingus, confirms the airline’s commitment to Shannon Airport. This is good news for tourism, business and the attractiveness of County Clare and the Mid-West region.

Fine Gael TD for Tipperary, and Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Tom Hayes, has said that the proposed deal on the sale of the Government’s minority shareholding in Aer Lingus confirms the airlines commitment to Shannon Airport which is good news for tourism in Tipperary.

Fine Gael TD, John O’Mahony, has welcomed the announcement by the Government of its intention to sell its minority shareholding in Aer Lingus, having received significant concessions from IAG. Deputy O’Mahony said that this decision is good news for Knock airport as it includes a commitment to the future of the airport.