Speaking at a European Presidency conference on Monetary Union and Democratic Legitimacy in Madrid today (Friday), Fine Gael Dublin Central Deputy, Paschal Donohoe, said that for future European success we must deliver a viable and robust banking union that has the faith of the people at its very core (see full speech below).

Fine Gael Wicklow TD, Simon Harris, has today (Friday) said it is essential that parents and teachers play a central role in the working group set to be established to consider the report from the National Council for Special Education (NCSE), which has been published by the Minister for Education, Ruairi Quinn TD.

Fine Gael Louth Deputy, Peter Fitzpatrick, has said news that almost 25,000 homes in Louth will be able to access high-speed broadband by next September will act as a boost for businesses in the region and allow households to experience the same connectivity speeds that have been taken for granted in other parts of the country for years.

Fine Gael Senator, Jim D’Arcy, has welcomed the discussion that took place today (Thursday) on the Narrow Water Bridge at the meeting of the Joint Committee on the implementation of the Good Friday Agreement.

Fine Gael Waterford Deputy, Paudie Coffey has today (Thursday) welcomed the cross party support from Cork County Council for his Private Member’s Bill, which aims to reduce the burden of costs for new businesses. Deputy Coffey introduced this Bill into the Dáil a number of weeks ago and has called on other councils to support him in this with a view to helping start-up businesses in towns and villages right across the country.

Fine Gael Dublin Senator, Catherine Noone, has today (Thursday) urged Dublin communities to get involved in the Friend of Irish Heritage initiative launched this week by the Minister of State at the Office of Public Works (OPW), Brian Hayes TD.

Fine Gael Laois/Offaly TD, Marcella Corcoran Kennedy, yesterday (Wednesday) chaired the inaugural meeting of the Fine Gael Working Group on Gender Equality. The group, which was set up by the Fine Gael Parliamentary Party following a proposal from Deputy Corcoran Kennedy, aims to spearhead action to implement equal pay legislation.

Tá lúcháir orm a bheith anseo inniú ag an díospóireacht seo, ábhair iontach tábhachtach, cúig bliana déag inné síniú ath aontú Aoine an Chéasta. I am delighted to be here today at this debate, a very important subject 15 years after the signing of the Good Friday Agreement.

Proposal is good for passengers, for company & for jobs

Fine Gael Meath TDs last night (Wednesday) held a meeting with the Minister for Transport, Leo Varadkar TD, to push for action on the condition of the roads in North Meath. The meeting was attended by Deputies Regina Doherty, Helen McEntee, Ray Butler and Damien English.