Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)

I thank the Labour Party for putting the motion before the House. I congratulate, Deputy Penrose, Chairman of the Joint Committee on Social and Family Affairs, and its members. The committee spent many long days working over the summer but did not get much media coverage. Furthermore, it was the only committee that did not use consultants. We brought in the real professionals, the people who are affected. I thank every person, every agency and all the carers' organisations who came before the committee. We listened to them. If the then and current Minister had attended the committee, we would not be here tonight.

I congratulate the Minister of State, Deputy Power. I am very annoyed with him but I will hold my temper because we are here to discuss carers, not the bloodstock industry.

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