Damien English, TD

I welcome the opportunity to contribute to the debate. Given the huge upsurge in the numbers seeking protection, few Bills have been more timely or more needed. However, last weekend, I received 752 e-mails asking that I press for the withdrawal of the legislation. I am completely baffled by this. I do not know who orchestrated the campaign or how they formed the view that refugees' interests would be better served by not passing this Bill. I wonder how many of them read the Bill or are aware that its purpose is to address the main concerns expressed by asylum seekers themselves.

Fine Gael TD for Kerry and Member of the Oireachtas Transport, Tourism and Sport Committee, Brendan Griffin, has welcomed the news that recent strong tourism figures have been matched by a 17.5% jump in revenue.

Fine Gael TD for Cork South Central, Jerry Buttimer, has said that funding of €900,000 for Cork Institute of Technology will help meet the cost of much needed facilities and equipment.

Fine Gael TD for Cork South Central, Jerry Buttimer, has said that changes implemented in the housing department in Cork City Council will ensure that the use of available funding is maximised.

Fine Gael TD for Cork North West, Michael Creed has said that the Dairy Forum has led to the implementation by Minister for Agriculture, Simon Coveney of a top up package of €1,350 for dairy farmers in Cork.

Fine Gael TD for Cork North West, Michael Creed has said that the Dairy Forum has led to the implementation by Minister for Agriculture, Simon Coveney of a top up package of €1,350 for dairy farmers in Cork.

Fine Gael TD for Louth, Peter Fitzpatrick, has said that the reduction in fees for retailers accepting debit and credit card payments, as well as the extension of contactless payment, is a great boost just ahead of Christmas.

Fine Gael TD for Tipperary, Noel Coonan, has said that the Garda Inspectorate report published by the Minister for Justice and Equality, Frances Fitzgerald, is another important step towards Garda reform.

Dublin Senator and Fine Gael candidate for Dublin West, Catherine Noone, has today (Thursday) called for calorie counts on menus to be made mandatory in all take-away fast food outlets.

David Stanton, Cork East Fine Gael TD has welcomed confirmation from Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Alex White TD that Whitegate Refinery is of ‘strategic importance’ to the state and that its retention as an operational refinery is ‘highly desirable’. Minister White’s comments were made during a special Dáil debate on the issue secured by David Stanton TD.