Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)

Since 1993 I have seen many a debate here on Dáil reform. First and foremost, we do not want to diminish the roles of Oireachtas Members because we have a critical and important role to play, which is representing our constituents. Ministers and Ministers of State should not be put at a disadvantage or at an unfair advantage to other Oireachtas Members from a particular constituency. If one looks at the issue of an evolving Ireland, involved in Europe and facing into another Lisbon treaty referendum, we all know the crucial role Europe now plays. In that regard, Ministers of State have an important function in making sure that Ireland is always represented by responsible Ministers. The Fine Gael motion is somewhat populist. There is a responsibility on us all to reflect on the challenges we face rather than putting forward these types of populists proposals.

See this speech in context