Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)

In such circumstances, one would make a pragmatic decision that such a business is one in which one should be engaged. All of us need to be open to see how we can do things differently and more efficiently because we are all in this together. I said when speaking on the comprehensive spending review that I do not want any spectators. In terms of what the Government will do, everybody has a part to play in this and everybody has a good idea to contribute and I hope everybody will contribute.

For those reasons I do not propose to recommend the acceptance of the Senator's amendment. I am gratified that he wants me to do personal accounting of my activities up to the passing of this legislation. I would have thought in terms of all my activities to date that I have been more than well reported in the media. I am very happy to give a full accounting once I have the statutory authority of a Department. I have had the status of a Cabinet Minister from the date of my appointment. I have the title of Minister for public expenditure and reform in law already from the date of my appointment but I hope to have the statutory authority to function as such as soon as the laws are enacted to give effect to that, it carries the signature of the president and the commencement order has been signed.