Dáil debates

Tuesday, 24 March 2009

8:00 pm

Photo of Billy KelleherBilly Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)

It would be unfair if I had fewer staff, simply because I have other roles and responsibilities. As to whether people believe they are roles of responsibility is a decision those on other side of the House will make. I passionately believe no person should be at a disadvantage in representing their constituents because of a role or responsibility they hold in this House.

This motion is slightly populist. While there is intense public debate on this issue, it is not good enough, for populist reasons, to reduce the number of Ministers of State in order to send out a message that Government is serious about cost cutting without facing the serious challenges in other public expenditure costs.

I have no difficulty if the Taoiseach telehpones me tomorrow morning and says the game is up and I must step aside because of the necessity to cut costs.

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