Finian McGrath (Dublin Bay North, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I do not accept their answer. I will be fighting for those concerned and I commit to doing my best. We need to ensure the Department of Social Protection faces the reality. It cannot just run away from a particular project if it is very successful. I will be fighting and arguing with my Cabinet colleagues on this project.

Last Saturday, I was at an Inclusion Ireland conference in the Gibson Hotel. I met some of those involved in the WALK PEER programme and they convinced me. I also met other people outside the project and asked them directly whether it was credible. Every one of them said “Yes”. My answer is that I will commit to doing my best on this.

See this speech in context