Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am told on the one hand that I am exaggerating and that we do not have influence while, on the other hand, I am asked why we should bother attending for the initial stages of the drafting of the programme.

I do not subscribe to that view. It is important that Ireland takes its seat at the table, fully participates and has voting rights in the decision-making process and can use its influence. Although members of the Opposition may believe that influence is weak and innocuous, I believe it is far stronger than not having a seat at the table.