Fine Gael Dublin Central Deputy, Paschal Donohoe TD, has today (Tuesday) accused Sinn Féin of cooking the books for its own political gain by ignoring measures that were implemented by the Government over the past year, which the Party steadfastly opposed, in its attempts to produce a credible budgetary alternative for 2013.

Fine Gael TD for Donegal North East, Joe McHugh, has today (Tuesday) said that adults must step up to the plate to help young people tackle teenage cyber bullying. Deputy McHugh was speaking after a visit to Loreto CS in Milford, Co. Donegal.

Fine Gael Clare Senator and Seanad spokesperson on Disability and Equality, Martin Conway, has today (Tuesday) welcomed Ireland’s success at securing a seat on the UN Human Rights Council.

The introduction of a wealth tax, which Sinn Féin’s is expected to propose in the Party’s pre-Budget submission tomorrow, will dramatically hamper Ireland’s economic recovery, according to Fine Gael Dublin Central Deputy, Paschal Donohoe.

Fine Gael TD for Kildare South, Martin Heydon, has today described as unacceptable the continuing delay by Ulster Bank in passing on the increased mortgage interest relief introduced in last year’s budget to its eligible customers. Budget 2012 provided an increase in mortgage interest relief from 25% to 30% for people who were first time buyers between 2004 and 2008. However, it appears that a significant number of Ulster Bank customers are unable to avail of the relief.

Fine Gael Meath East Deputy and Chair of the Fine Gael Committee on Health, Regina Doherty, has welcomed confirmation from the Minister for Justice, Alan Shatter TD, that there is no plan to charge voluntary organisations for vetting applications under the National Vetting Bureau (Children and Vulnerable Persons) Bill 2012.

Fine Gael Cork North Central Senator and Seanad Spokesperson on Health, Colm Burke, voiced his support today (Thursday) for a call by the Medical Research Charities Group seeking the appointment of a full-time Director of Research within the health service. Senator Burke was speaking following his attendance at the launch of the Group’s pre-Budget submission.

Fine Gael Senator for Kerry and Government Chief Whip in the Seanad, Paul Coghlan, has today (Thursday) said that he is pleased with the progress being made by the banks but cautions that banks must continue to play by the rules and that pay caps must be adhered to. Senator Coghlan was speaking during the Seanad’s Order of Business.

The Fine Gael Committee on Justice, Equality and Defence at its monthly meeting this week, congratulated the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Frances Fitzgerald TD, and the Minister for Justice, Alan Shatter TD, for their positive contributions in delivering a Yes vote in the Children’s Referendum on November 10th.

Fine Gael TD for Roscommon/South Leitrim, Frank Feighan, has warmly welcomed €200,000 in funding to the Castlerea Community Arts Group to complete the renovation and refurbishment works at Holy Trinity Church, which will become home to a landmark Arts, Heritage and Cultural Centre.