Mr. Eamonn Stack:

The kind, sincere words of members have motivated me. The appreciation which was expressed is very encouraging and makes it worthwhile to remain at the wheel in the public service on a voluntary basis. I have done nothing in the job yet so the praise remains to be earned in the months ahead. I intend to do so. Members have made observations which have been very informative. The first job of a leader of any group is to use one's two ears before one uses one's mouth. One must listen to hear what people are saying to avoid making decisions before discovering information one should have had in advance. Deputy Tuffy's remarks on the perception regarding consistent allocation of resources are very useful. It means I know I must keep an eye out for that. As I speak to people I can learn about it and establish the position. Senator Healy Eames's question about other models is worthy of further reflection and research to establish if there are better, more efficient ways to do things. The focus of improvements must always be to further the educational interests of children.

I do not mean cheaper or dearer but better in the educational sense.

Senator Averil Power put no specific question. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien was very useful in telling me about closer co-operation between agencies. I value his input about that and the reconfiguration of the therapy services. That is all useful for me in my steep learning curve in this matter. It has been wonderful. I appreciate Deputy Charlie McConalogue's kind words. I am taking on this new role with enthusiasm and commitment and with the interests of the young people it is intended to serve. That is what education is all about. I will end with a quotation: "Those who work in education shoulder an awesome responsibility. As Aristotle would have counselled, the course of history lies in their hands". I will play my part.