News

10th March 2022 As thousands of Ukrainian women arrive into Ireland, there must be increased supports for non-English speakers reporting sexual and gender based violence, a Fine Gael Senator has said. Senator Maria Byrne highlighted a report published by Women’s Aid which says that phone calls from non-English speakers to the multi-language hotline increased by … Continue reading Increased supports needed for non-English speakers reporting sexual and gender-based violence – Byrne

7th March 2022 New moneylending legislation must regulate the sector without removing access to credit for people who need it, a Fine Gael Senator has said. Senator Maria Byrne, Fine Gael’s Seanad Finance Spokesperson, said, “I welcome the new Bill brought to Cabinet by my colleague Minister Paschal Donohoe and approved by the Government today, … Continue reading New moneylending legislation must regulate the sector without removing access to credit for people who need it – Byrne

Extend the relaxation of rules for the Small Benefit Exemption 3rd February 2022 Government can assist employers to show appreciation for employees and boost Irish business by extending a measure that allows gift vouchers to be given twice a year tax free. That’s according to Senator Maria Byrne, Fine Gael’s Seanad Finance Spokesperson, who has … Continue reading Assist employers to show appreciation for employees and boost Irish business – Byrne

27th January 2022 We must tackle the issue of maintenance fees on electronic vouchers at an EU level, a Fine Gael Senator has said. Senator Maria Byrne, Fine Gael Seanad Finance spokesperson said: “Many people will have received vouchers recently as presents and employers have started giving them to staff as a token of appreciation. … Continue reading We must tackle maintenance fees on electronic vouchers at EU level

9th January 2022 January offers a good opportunity for people to avail of the tax reliefs to which they are entitled on a range of expenses including medical bills and working from home, a Fine Gael Senator. Maria Byrne, Fine Gael’s Seanad spokesperson on Finance, said: “Managing your finances can often seem like a daunting … Continue reading January is a good time to claim tax relief on a range of expenses – Byrne

Relaxation of rules on Small Benefit Exemption allows second gift voucher for employees this year 25th November 2021 Companies can avail of relaxed rules around the Small Benefit Exemption when purchasing gift vouchers to show appreciation for their staff and also help to boost Irish businesses this Christmas, a Fine Gael Senator has said. Senator … Continue reading Companies can show appreciation for employees and boost Irish business this Christmas – Byrne

4th November 2021 A range of tax measures due to be formalised in legislation will reduce the cost of living by putting €415 on average back into the pockets of workers, a Fine Gael Senator has said. Fine Gael Seanad Spokesperson on Finance Senator Maria Byrne said the Finance Bill 2021 will help an estimated … Continue reading New legislation to formalise range of tax measures will put money back in workers’ pockets – Byrne

17th October 2021 We must tackle the shortage of neurology nurse specialists throughout Ireland to ensure better patient outcomes, a Fine Gael Senator has said. In the Seanad this week, Limerick Senator Maria Byrne raised the impact on patient care of the shortage of neurology clinical nurse specialists. Senator Byrne said, “There is need for … Continue reading Tackling the shortage of neurology nurse specialists will mean better patient outcomes – Byrne

10th October 2021 Business supports must cater to companies of all sizes to encourage enterprise growth, the Fine Gael Seanad Finance Spokesperson has said. This week in the Seanad Limerick Senator Maria Byrne raised the issue of businesses, which due to their size, may miss out on crucial supports. Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) mainly deal … Continue reading Business supports must cater to companies of all sizes to encourage enterprise growth – Byrne

21st April 2021 Fine Gael’s Maria Byrne has been re-elected to Seanad Éireann. Limerick Senator Byrne, who was elected to the Seanad today, said: “Having spent more than two decades in elected politics, I’m honoured to be re-elected to serve in Seanad Eireann and I thank the electorate for placing their trust in me. “I … Continue reading Fine Gael Senator Maria Byrne re-elected to Seanad Éireann