Martin Heydon, TD

Fine Gael Waterford Minister Paudie Coffey has said that if Fine Gael are re-elected to government next Spring, the party will abolish the Universal Social Charge. Fine Gael before the last general election gave a commitment to review the USC and not increase income taxes. Since then we have cut income taxes; removed 700,000 people from paying the USC and cut the USC for every worker that earns up to €70,000.

Brian Hayes MEP today said that the European Central Bank needs to completely redesign its Quantitative Easing programme before any expansion of QE is considered. Mr. Hayes made his comments following a statement by ECB President Mario Draghi that QE will be re-examined in December.

Fine Gael Waterford Minister Paudie Coffey has said that the North Quays Redevelopment is a top priority for Waterford City. Minister Coffey said the site is a brownfield site that has never reached its full potential; which is completely unacceptable given its position adjacent to the heart of Waterford City.

At a delightful event in the Autumn sunshine this afternoon Minister Paudie Coffey T.D. was delighted to attend, along with his government and Labour colleague Deputy Ciara Conway and other public representatives, the formal “sod-turning” of the new Gaelscoil which is already underway.

Speaking on a visit with Principal Sheila Creed, Minister Coffey stated his belief that this project will see a new lease of life for the school and lead to the creation of a more nourishing learning environment for the present and future generation of pupils at Kilmacthomas Primary School.

Fine Gael Waterford Minister Paudie Coffey has welcomed the announced commencement of advanced payments to farmers under the 2015 Basic Payment Scheme and the Greening Payment.

Fine Gael Kerry Senator and Seanad Chief Whip, Paul Coghlan, has welcomed the progress made by the Minster for Agriculture, Simon Coveney, in introducing new supports for those farming Hen Harrier areas.

Fine Gael TD for Cork East and Chairperson of the Oireachtas Justice Committee, David Stanton has said that further consideration should be given to Justice Committee recommendations to extend Daylight Saving Time by three weeks.

Question No: 101 Ref No: 36885-15 To the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if she will consider abolishing the waiting period for the JobBridge Scheme, to ensure that all those in receipt of Jobseeker's and wishing to gain experience can do so without delay; if not, the reason; and if she will make a statement on the matter. €“ Anthony Lawlor.

I will be as brief as possible. There are only a couple of points I want to raise I have spoken to the Minister, Deputy Noonan, with regard to how we can broaden out the home improvement scheme. I understand that people can claim back the VAT paid against their income tax.