Martin Heydon, TD

Fine Gael MEP for Dublin, Brian Hayes, has today (Wednesday) expressed disappointment that the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) has refused to conduct an inquiry into excessive variable mortgage rates charged by Irish banks.

Brian Hayes MEP today took the opportunity during a European Parliament debate to state that the European Commission should investigate effective corporate tax rates employed by countries rather than focusing on harmonising tax policies.

Fine Gael Waterford Minister Paudie Coffey has welcomed the news that the extension for Kilmacthomas Primary School has gone to tender. Minister Coffey said this project will see a new beginning for the school and lead to a better learning environment for the pupils of Kilmacthomas Primary School.

To ask the Minister for Education and Skills her plans to extend the maintenance grant to students in receipt of back to education allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter?

To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality when the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service plans to introduce an online booking system for appointments; and if she will make a statement on the matter?

“Cheaper loans for farmers and others involved in rural development will boost farmers’ finances, assist with development of farm buildings and provide for further investment in equipment”, says Patrick O’Donovan, Fine Gael TD for Limerick. This funding has been made available as a result of a new memorandum of understanding agreed between the EU and the European Investment Bank this week.

Fine Gael TD for Cork North West, Áine Collins, has welcomed the announcement by the EU Agriculture Commissioner Phil Hogan, of model guarantee system ensuring access to credit for farmers, as a result of a new memorandum of understanding agreed between the EU and the European Investment Bank this week.

Fine Gael Longford Westmeath TD, Gabrielle McFadden, has welcomed the launch of the Government’s new tourism policy, ‘People, Place and Policy – Growing Tourism to 2025’, saying it will benefit tourism in the Midlands.

Fine Gael Clare TD and Chairman of the Oireachtas Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade, Pat Breen, has warmly welcomed the news that Stobart Air is to recommence operating flights between Shannon and Birmingham. He said that this decision is a vote of confidence in the airport’s future. Deputy Breen had been making representations to both Shannon Airport and the Department of Transport on this issue and is delighted that Stobart Air has returned to serve the Mid-West Airport.

Fine Gael, Cork North-West TD, Áine Collins asks where are the ideas, policies and women as Shane Ross, Michael Fitzmaurice, Finian McGrath and John Halligan gather today. Ross’ long muted “Independent Alliance” is holding an invite only, behind closed doors, meeting in Tullamore today (Saturday).