Mr. Joe McCarthy:

I now classify myself as being actively retired. I was a principal social worker for over 17 years, I was in child protection before that and I have been on the board of the IASW for a significant number of years. The Deputy asked many questions, which reflect his curiosity to understand and highlight the complexity of social work.

As a preamble to that, let me say that I am delighted to be here because I consider the Dáil to be hallowed ground and a very important place for all Irish citizens. I am always somewhat in awe on the few occasions I have come here and I have always been interested in politics and how important it is. I appreciate the value and worth of what politicians do on behalf of us as citizens. I tinkered with the idea of entering into the field but my constituency is very well-served with the Minister, Deputy Coveney, and with Deputies Micheál Martin, Michael McGrath and Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire. I will give it a miss and this will be as far as I get.