Niall Collins (Limerick, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I am glad to have the opportunity to wrap up this debate tonight. At the outset, I note any decision to table a motion of no confidence is not taken lightly. In recent days I have stated repeatedly, in response to the Minister and others, that Members have reached a tipping point with the Minister in question. Fianna Fáil Members have been asked the reason they lodged this motion and they have reached this tipping point for a number of reasons, which I will summarise. Fianna Fáil has policy and political differences in respect of how the Minister has behaved. Members have rehashed and aired the position in respect of Garda stations. The Minister is rolling out a series of political failures, which are failing communities throughout the country. However, that is part of a pattern of wider policies his colleagues in government are introducing. The Government is closing down rural Ireland in particular. It is closing libraries, courthouses, small schools, post offices and public health centres.

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