Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

I have not assumed, or tried to assume unto myself, executive authority for every decision. It is an honour and a privilege to appoint Ministers to Cabinet and to accept their responsibility. However, that responsibility is not individual or locked into a tunnel, a rut or a silo. It is part of joined up Government thinking to implement the programme for Government in the interests of the people, the betterment of the country and according to the mandate we received. From that point of view, as the Deputy is well aware, the Office of the Taoiseach must take an interest and an oversight view of the work of Government. Politicians are here for two purposes; they must find solutions and they also make decisions. In the role of Taoiseach it is my privilege to encourage and motivate people in order to assist them in their work in achieving the objectives and targets of the Government for the overall benefit of the country. In that sense the issues I have outlined do not take away from an individual Minister or responsibilities; it is a real attempt to have a co-ordinated response through all the Departments in the interests of our people and country.

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