Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)

I congratulate all the new Deputies, on getting elected and in particular I congratulate those who have made their maiden speeches during this debate. I remember when I did that. I should not have interrupted Deputy Cowen - if I had realised it was his first time speaking, I would not have done so. However, it is important to correct the record. Fine Gael has never suggested the sale of either Coillte or Bord na Móna and that is still the position now that we are in government.

In terms of some of the compromises that have been made from the Fine Gael general election manifesto and what is now the programme for Government, that is the nature of coalition - sometimes one needs compromise.

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