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

I am not just saying this because it is Christmas, but I have often applauded the efforts of Deputy Penrose, who is Chairman of the Joint Committee on Social and Family Affairs. The Minister will know that he gives members of that committee the opportunity to voice their concerns. At a parliamentary party meeting last week, I said that not only is the Minister listening to Fianna Fáil colleagues, but indeed he listens to members at meetings of the Joint Committee on Social and Family Affairs also. Deputy Stanton will nod his approval at that because I believe the Minister is listening.

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