Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)

Briefly, I make no secret of the fact that my party believes the Taoiseach should have gone further both in reducing the numbers and in the remuneration of the offices. Notwithstanding that, I congratulate the new appointees in particular, namely, Deputies Áine Brady and Calleary. The Cabinet still will be "Kitted" out as although one Deputy Kitt has departed, another Deputy Kitt has entered as a replacement, which I suppose is a fair exchange. I commiserate with those who have lost their positions, namely, Deputies Devins, Seán Power, Micheál Kitt, Hoctor, McGuinness, Noel Ahern and Wallace. They have put in a great effort in their roles and I am sure the House will commiserate with them on their loss of office.

On a lighter note, this reminds me of when I was made a Minister of State, when the late John Boland described me as being appointed third mate on the Titanic. In this case there are 15 mates, which is enough to fill an entire lifeboat. That said, I wish them well in these troubled times. I hope their work will be crowned with success and will make a difference, not only to those appointed today but to the people, who Members seek to serve.

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