Martin Heydon, TD

Fine Gael Waterford Minister Paudie Coffey has welcomed the announcement that the framework to support mortgage holders in arrears has been strengthened. Minister Coffey said while the number of people in mortgage difficulties has decreased significantly it is good news that those still in difficulty are being provided with a stronger options to assist them deal with their arrears issues and stay in their own homes.

Fine Gael Waterford Minister Paudie Coffey has said a new tax refund scheme aimed at start-ups will help nurture and develop the culture of entrepreneurship in Ireland. Minister Coffey said the new scheme called called Start Up Refunds for Entrepreneurs (SURE), means entrepreneurs will be able to claim a tax refund of up to 41% of the capital they invest in starting their business.

Fine Gael Waterford Minister Paudie Coffey has said the new Young Farmer Capital Investment Scheme that was launched by his colleague Minister Simon Coveney TD is a positive initiative that will assist young famers right across County Waterford.

Fine Gael MEP for Dublin, Brian Hayes, today (Tuesday) said that new EU VAT rules for digital services need to be amended quickly to reduce administrative burdens for small businesses.

Mr Li Keqiang, Premier of the People’s Republic of China, will visit Ireland on Sunday 17th May 2015 and Monday 18th May.

Fine Gael MEP for Dublin, Brian Hayes, today (Thursday), said that populist proposals to increase tax on high income earners do not make economic sense given Ireland's fair and progressive system of taxation.

The Director of Elections for the Fine Gael Marriage Equality Campaign, Minister Simon Coveney TD, has welcomed this morning’s (Wednesday) clarification from the Chair of the Referendum Commission Justice Kevin Cross that the upcoming referendum is not about surrogacy, adoption or a right to parenthood.

Fine Gael TD for Longford/Westmeath, Gabrielle McFadden, has warmly welcomed the approval of €50,000 in funding for Athlone Foróige for the provision of multipurpose rooms, the renovation of back stage areas and the upgrade of windows at its centre in Athlone. Athlone Foróige is among 16 youth projects to be allocated monies today by Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Dr James Reilly TD, to fund small capital works.

“NRA charges are a heavy toll for commuters”, says Fine Gael Senator for Dublin West, Catherine Noone.