Barry Cowen (Offaly, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

No, I am fine. The Minister has given a good response and I look forward to seeing the information laid out in his written response. I merely wanted to clarify the matter. The impression was given that I, for some reason, by virtue of my absence on Tuesday had not given this the sort of indepth analysis and thought that is necessary to improve the present circumstances. I put a Bill before the House, received the approval and support of the Dáil and of the committee in the scrutiny that followed. My best will, intentions and bona fides are above reproach and should not be summed up by saying I attended a housing conference organised by ICTU rather than face up to my responsibilities on the issue.