James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)

The Taoiseach talks of reform of the public service, but this happened under his watch as Minister for Finance. This was money which would have given people who were terminally ill some comfort and dignity at the end of their days, money which could have improved the appalling state of our mental health services. No one asked for extra money, just that the money allocated would go to the purpose for which it was designated.

During the course of that debate the Taoiseach indicated that he would silence the Opposition. We know from comments made off the record how dearly he loves us and how highly he holds us in esteem, but I guarantee he will not silence the Opposition because we live in a democracy.

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