Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

I want to make that point regardless of what barbs emanate from the other side of the House. Some Opposition Deputies will have known the elation and disappointment of days such as today. We must be fair and I thank everybody for the courtesy shown to me in the good discussions I had with all the Ministers of State, both outgoing and incoming, on the role they can play in working with Ministers to ensure their work is valuable and fulfilling for them professionally, adds value to the Government's work and is well managed and presented. This is a genuine sentiment and a hope I have for all those who have been privileged to have been asked to serve, including last week. We intend to do this to the very best of our ability. It is only fair, on a day like this, to make that point.

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