Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I do wish to make one because I was asked a question. In no way do I wish to impugn Dr. McLoughlin's good reputation, so he should not take my remarks personally. His reputation is good and it is one of honest service to the Department for many years. I mean that. However, he has indicated clearly in his response that the Ministers who preceded the current one were considering seriously the abandonment of both schemes. I listened very carefully to what Dr. McLoughlin said. He explained to us the seriousness of the circumstances, which we all realise, and stated that is was ultimately a Government decision. Therefore, the Ministers who came before us on the day in question were contemplating the move but decided not to tell the committee.