Charlie O'Connor (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)

I congratulate the Minister on his appointment. I was proud to be with him in Tallaght last Monday when he saw the fruits of his work regarding the Luas line from Tallaght. It was a proud day for him.

Some of the Opposition have been mischievous today, but we are all deeply heartened by what we have heard from the Minister. He has clearly put it on the record that with regard to his new brief he will do his best to make a difference. That is what we all strive to do. There is a responsibility on all of us to work with the Minister in that regard and I look forward to doing so. I am proud to be a member of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Social and Family Affairs under the able chairmanship of Deputy Penrose, whose work I warmly compliment. I am also the secretary of the Fianna Fáil policy group on social and family affairs. Sometimes it is very difficult to rise above the taunts that arise. I hope this will not be one of those nights.

Fianna Fáil backbenchers do their job to their best of their ability. For the next 1,000 days before the general election I intend to bring to the attention of the House the issues of concern to me, as I have been doing since I arrived in the Dáil. I said that to Deputy Penrose today, and when I listened to his speech I sensed the emotion in it. I will not be so emotional, but I share many of his views, as does the Minister.

In a world where everyone is competing for resources we must make the case for carers, and I am happy to do so. I recall that when my father was dying, for quite some time, I noticed not only the caring work of my sister but that of many other carers. As public representatives we have a responsibility to take note of carers' concerns. Over the next few weeks, there will be much toing and froing about the budget. Already we are receiving many different submissions. Points will be made about housing, health and education. Deputy Durkan can remind me of many schools in Tallaght, including Kingswood, where repairs are needed. Social welfare however is very important. The previous Minister pointed out on many occasions that she was responsible for making social welfare payments to more than 970,000 people. We must understand the need to continue to make a priority case for such payments.

Regarding the needs of carers, we must support the statements made. Deputy Penrose referred to the work of the joint committee. Deputy Carty, myself and other colleagues have on many occasions brought to the attention of that body the different views and concerns we have. Whatever about the politics of the day, other parties may be in Government in 20 years' time, and meanwhile we must simply get on with the job. The Minister has tonight thrown down the gauntlet to those who would say he is not committed to the portfolio he has been given. I appeal to colleagues to give the Minister the space he needs to read into his brief. His speech tonight demonstrates that he will bring to this job all the skills and talents he has evidenced in a long period of public life. Our responsibility and job on all sides of the House is to do our best, and I will not shirk from it.

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