Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Now let us get back to conclude on what really does matter. Being in office just for its own sake holds no special, particular value for me. What I value as a member of Government is the opportunity it gives to implement reforms, many of which are long overdue, in the areas that fall within my personal responsibility. What I value is the privilege of making my contribution in Cabinet and working with talented colleagues committed to public service. It is a commitment we all share. What I value is the opportunity to make this State a better and safer place for all who reside in it. I assume this is something at least on which we can all agree. On occasions tough decisions must be taken which in the short term are unpopular and can make ministerial life uncomfortable. On occasions such decisions have been necessary but in making them I have always acted in the public interest, even where doing so made life politically difficult in my own constituency. As a Minister I have never shirked the responsibilities of my office.

As a Minister, I always carefully listen to well-motivated proposals that come from any side of the House that can improve Bills published or policies being implemented. I also welcome the use of Private Members' time and Private Members' Bills to propose necessary reforms to the benefit of people in this State.

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