David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I have the privilege of chairing the Joint Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality. Since taking up this role, I have been highly impressed by the Minister's work rate, his ability and his attention to detail. Many of the Bills we examine are extraordinarily detailed, complex and important. It would more appropriate for us to deal with serious policy issues and if Fianna Fáil Members had devoted their time, talent and energy to any one of these issues we could have had a proper debate with relevance to the people.

The Minister, Deputy Shatter, is probably one of the best Ministers for Justice and Equality we ever had. The amount of legislation that he produces is unbelievable. If I have any complaint to make about him it is that he works too hard because it means we have to work hard to keep up with him. Deputy Calleary will agree with me because he has worked closely with the Minister as a member of the joint committee.

The Minister is not afraid to challenge sacred cows with his reform indicatives but even Homer nods. He made a mistake and he apologised for it. That should have been the end of the matter but we have instead devoted three hours of parliamentary time to the issue. Deputy Mattie McGrath made all sorts of accusation without presenting a scintilla of evidence in support. We could be dealing with many different issues that impact on the people instead of wasting time.

The Minister went to Cork and made the decision to build a new prison. He went to Limerick and initiated a major refurbishment of the prison there. This is a man who makes decisions and gets things done.

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