Damien English (Meath West, Fine Gael)

If I made a speech, I would take much longer than this. What specifically has the Tánaiste done with her Department to make it ready for the current situation? It does not seem to have worked. Why has she failed to drive the agenda across all Departments? This country is uncompetitive and businesses are suffering as a result. She was given the responsibility in this document to get her Department up to speed to be able to do it. It has not happened.

The Tánaiste was also told in this policy to take responsibility for initiatives in her area. What has happened? The Department of the Taoiseach has taken over the smart economy policy and new innovation fund. Will the Tánaiste explain where her Department has improved or been made ready to take on the job it should be doing now? The Taoiseach is considering chopping up this Department because the Tánaiste has failed. Will she show me where she believes her Department is ready to take on the job it is meant to do?

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