James Lawless (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
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I will make one quick follow-up remark. I thank the Tánaiste for his detailed answer. I note with interest the different initiatives we are proposing to join. They all make perfect sense. I completely endorse and support us in standing up to those and more of them. I think we should go further than being just an observer - we should be an active participant at the table in most of those.

I understand that for very historical and political reasons, there is in some instances perhaps a hesitancy or apprehension about some of these initiatives. As much as some members may ask why we are joining, I would be asking why are we not joining and working with them. It is important to have that plan and the sort of detail the Tánaiste has mentioned. There has to be a reality check around the entire system. These are the sorts of things we need to be doing to take our place in the 21st century. I call for more of it and say "well done" to the Tánaiste.