Jerry Buttimer (Cork South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I wish to express my full confidence in the Minister for Justice and Equality who is a man of genuine compassion and sincerity. One can contrast the Minister with the political opportunism of the Members opposite and in particular the Fianna Fáil leader, Deputy Martin's response to the Travers report. One can also contrast what this Government and the Minister has done with the inept failure of the Members opposite when in government. Deputy Martin defended his handling of the matters in the Travers report by claiming that he was not briefed by his officials, but his officials said otherwise. In Deputy Martin's case, a senior Department official briefed him on a number of occasions but he failed to act for two years. Yet within 48 hours this Government acted.

Deputy Shatter is a reforming Minister and a man of political conviction. As regards Deputy Healy-Rae's point, the Minister not only says "Hello" but also acts. I am proud of the Minister who will bring about full equality for all our citizens. He deserves our support and not the political charade we are going through here.

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