Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The country faces pressing matters which we could be debating tonight instead of this motion. I followed with great interest the reports on the recent Fianna Fáil Ard-Fheis, at which Deputy Martin declared, "if you want destructive politics-as-usual, if you want blinkered all-out opposition, then the Fianna Fáil Party I lead is not for you". He said those words at the end of April and it now the end of May. It is said that a week is a long time in politics but the last month must have brought significant change in the Fianna Fáil position because this motion is the worst type of politics as usual. It is opportunistic and politically driven, and it bears no relation to the Minister's ability to do his job. The Minister is a capable, intelligent and extremely hardworking individual who does not shy away from difficult issues. I have no hesitation in expressing my full confidence in him and I look forward to this issue being put to bed so that he can continue with his reforming work in the Department of Justice and Equality and we can get on with the business of dealing with the important issues that face the country.

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