Leo Varadkar, TD

measures necessary to improve the prices paid to beef producers here with particular reference to bringing the prices paid to producers here into line with those in adjoining jurisdictions

Fine Gael Kerry Senator and Seanad Chief Whip, Paul Coghlan, has today (Wednesday) encouraged all SME owners and farmers to ask questions if a bank refuses credit. Senator Coghlan was speaking after it was revealed that the Credit Review Office (CRO) is overturning 56% of the banks’ decisions to refuse credit.

Fine Gael TD for Longford Westmeath, Gabrielle McFadden, has been informed by Minister for Health Leo Varadkar TD, that the HSE has committed to carrying out a fundamental review of St Hilda’s Services in Athlone, to address the challenges currently facing the intellectual disability service-provider.

Fine Gael Clare Senator, Martin Conway, has today (Wednesday), said that the Seanad needs to urgently debate the findings of the Garda Inspectorate Report. Speaking on the Order of Business in the Seanad, Senator Conway expressed his shock at the serious, systemic weaknesses in the operation of an Garda Síochána raised in this report.

Fine Gael TD for Dún Laoghaire, Mary Mitchell O’Connor, today (Tuesday) warned against the airing of e-cigarettes advertisements as these advertisements will normalise smoking and mark a step-back in the fight against tobacco.

Fine Gael TD for Cork South Central, Jerry Buttimer, has said today (Tuesday) that funds will be available to equip and staff the new National Children’s Hospital, and Fianna Fáil’s attempts to create uncertainty around the issue is yet another example of their total lack of a coherent health policy.

Fine Gael TD for Dublin Fingal, and member of the Oireachtas Justice Committee, Alan Farrell, has today (Tuesday), highlighted the importance of Garda reform and welcomed the news that the Cabinet Committee on Justice Reform will oversee this process. Deputy Farrell was speaking following the publication of the Garda Inspectorate report by Minister for Justice and Equality, Frances Fitzgerald TD.

Fine Gael Senator for Clare and Seanad Spokesperson on Justice, Martin Conway, has today (Tuesday), said the publication of the Garda Inspectorate Report by the Minister for Justice and Equality, Frances Fitzgerald TD, provides an opportunity for the reform of An Garda Síochána.

Fine Gael TD for Louth, Peter Fitzpatrick, has today (Tuesday), welcomed the announcement by the Minister for Finance, Michael Noonan TD, that road tax for HGVs over 12 tonnes will be reduced in next year’s Budget.

Fine Gael TD for Meath East, Regina Doherty, has been assured by the Minister for Health, Leo Varadkar, that the Surgical Symphysiotomy Payment Scheme will be as simple and straightforward as possible. Deputy Doherty received the assurances in response to an oral parliamentary question.