Shane Ross (Dublin South, Independent)

Let me deal with the criticism regarding the absence of the Independent group last night. It is fair enough and I am as guilty as anybody if the group's number was not as high as it should have been. This is dangerous territory in which to tread, however, because, since I entered the House this evening, I have not seen a single Minister, in spite of this being a debate on jobs. I have seen one member of the Labour Party, which was traditionally supposed to be very concerned about jobs. During part of the time I have been here, I saw no members of the Labour Party.

See this speech in context