Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)

I am pleased to have the opportunity to speak on this issue. At the outset, I feel like the accused in the dock having to defend myself from the angry mob on the other side. It is important to keep these things in perspective. First and foremost, we are a parliamentary democracy. We have two Houses of the Oireachtas, the Dáil and the Seanad. Everybody on both sides of this debate acknowledges reform is required.

I want to address the issue of the motion itself and the reduction in the number of Ministers of State. The role I play and feel I can play is something that is positive. I feel I can genuinely make a contribution as a Minister of State. When I was first appointed as Minister of State with responsibility for labour affairs by the previous Taoiseach I was honoured to receive that appointment and felt I could make an impact, just as when I was first elected to the Dáil I felt I could make an impact as a Member of Dáil Éireann.

Everybody who stands and speaks here has a mandate as they were elected by the people. Sometimes we diminish the role of politicians for populist debate. I accept that is the cut and thrust of parliamentary democracy. Fundamentally, politicians from all sides of this House are mandated to come here and speak on behalf of their constituents. I believe sometimes we make apologies for that. I will make no apologies that, as a Deputy, I have the resources to represent the people of Cork North-Central who, in their decisions over a number of elections, have decided to send me to Dáil Éireann as a messenger on their behalf.

Reference has been made to the staffing levels of the offices of Ministers of State or Ministers. I have two drivers. I have two people working in the constituency office in Cork North-Central who serve the constituents. I have one person in the office of the Minister of State who also works on constituency duties. That is my staff complement in the context of my constituency duties.

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