Humphreys Praises IFA Food Showcase Local Fine Gael TD Heather Humphreys was in attendance at the recent IFA reception ‘showcasing Irish Food’. Deputy Humphreys said the event, which took place in the Shelbourne Hotel in Dublin, was a hugely enjoyable evening. “The recent IFA reception was a fantastic event and it was a credit to all involved. There was food on show from every corner of the country on the night and I would like to pay tribute to the IFA for their strong efforts to ensure that Irish cuisine is promoted both at home and abroad.” (l-r) Limerick IFA County Chairman Eddie Scanlon, IFA National Poultry Chairman Alo Mohan, Taoiseach Enda Kenny, Heather Humphreys TD, Monaghan IFA County Chairman Bert Stewart and Ulster/North Leinster IFA Vice President John Waters Renegotiated Deal represents a Positive Step Forward – Heather Humphreys Fine Gael TD for Cavan-Monaghan Heather Humphreys has strongly praised the efforts of the Government in ensuring that Ireland secured a better deal in repaying its loans under the programme of assistance. Deputy Humphreys described the outcome of the recent EU summit in Brussels as a ‘hugely positive and encouraging day for Ireland’. “At the outset, this Government made a commitment to the Irish people that it would negotiate a more credible package for both Ireland and Europe. That objective was achieved on Thursday last in Brussels. “In recent weeks the Government has faced fierce criticism in Dail Eireann for its failure to negotiate a 1% reduction in the interest rate. On Thursday, An Taoiseach Enda Kenny TD confirmed that Ireland has in fact secured a 2% lowering of that interest rate. Essentially this will reduce the cost of our programme of assistance by between €600 to €800 million per year. “The extension of loans from 7 to 15 years is also extremely important. This is significant in the fact that prolonging the paying back of the money we will be borrowing under the programme will make it possible for us to get into normal market borrowing earlier. By extending the terms of the loan, it makes our borrowing capacity much better. There is also a very important commitment which states that the EU is ‘determined to continue to provide support to countries under programmes until they have regained market access, provided they successfully implement those programmes. This statement will give significant reassurance to the markets. “When this Government took office, Ireland’s international reputation was at an all-time low. The new Government has been working extremely hard on this issue since taking office and while their remains enormous challenges and difficult decisions ahead, what has being achieved will result in flexibility and an easing of the burden for Ireland. “The Government remains committed to reducing our deficit to 3% by 2015 and in five years’ time we hope to be in a position to have restored economic sovereignty to the state. There is no doubt that we have a long way to go but the outcome of last Thursday’s EU summit represents a hugely positive and encouraging step forward,” concluded Deputy Humphreys. |
Monday, 25 July 2011 19:01