Martin Heydon, TD

Three years ago, the Tánaiste and I formed a Government of Fine Gael and Labour with one overriding objective: to get Ireland working again.

Fine Gael Wicklow TD and member of the Public Accounts Committee, Simon Harris, has today (Tuesday) said that steady progress is being made on ensuring that all Section 38 organisations are in compliance with public pay policy. Deputy Harris was speaking after he received an update on the matter from the Minister for Health, Dr James Reilly TD.

To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if he is satisfied that basic human rights are being observed in all centres for asylum seekers; and if he will make a statement on the matter?

To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if there have been improvements in the waiting time for asylum processing for applicants in direct provision; and if he will make a statement on the matter?

Fine Gael Dublin South Central TD, Catherine Byrne, has today (Thursday) warmly welcomed the announcement by the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Leo Varadkar TD, that an extra €620,000 is to be provided for key tourist attractions in Dublin. This will include a new interactive tourist trail, the Dubline, stretching from College Green to Kilmainham.

Fine Gael Waterford Deputy, Paudie Coffey, has today (Thursday) raised the issue of EU Regional Aid in the Dáil and called on the Government to ensure that it is rebalanced to give more assistance to the South East.

Fine Gael Dublin Senator, Catherine Noone, has today (Monday) said the success of the Big Energy Switch proves that by acting as a collective, consumers can greatly improve their bargaining power. More than 22,000 people have already joined the initiative, which aims to empower consumers to reduce energy prices.

Fine Gael Wicklow TD and Candidate for Ireland South, Simon Harris, has today (Thursday) welcomed new rules to protect holidaymakers approved this week by the European Parliament, adding that the move is a perfect example of how the European Parliament can have a real impact on all of our lives.

Fine Gael Meath East TD, Helen McEntee, has today (Monday) said job creation and agriculture were top of the agenda at the Fine Gael Ard Fheis over the weekend. In excess of 3,000 delegates attended the event at the RDS in Dublin. Deputy McEntee participated in a number of sessions, including the televised live session on jobs, and the panel on agriculture, both of which took place on Saturday.

Speaking following his tour this week of some of our universities and primary schools engaged in the Blue Star Programme, Minister for European Affairs, Paschal Donohoe TD, said the level of engagement from students was both inspiring and encouraging for the future.