Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

In the past five years the normal set-piece for me in debates such as this has been defending the position and actions of the Government in dealing with the issue under discussion. Since I am not the caretaker of anything other than perhaps my seat, I will take the opportunity to point to one or two issues that are causing difficulties with the Government's programme. In doing so I may agree with the points made by previous speakers. It is a pity the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government is not present. Perhaps the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Deputy Brendan Howlin, who is present will convey some of the points I raise to the Minister.

See this speech in context