Willie O'Dea (Limerick City, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

In my initial comments, I forgot to mention that this may be the last time the Deputy opposite addresses the House as Minister for Social Protection. We wish him the very best in the future, in whatever onerous responsibilities he may be called upon to take.

We have discussed the issue raised in my question ad nauseam. We had a Private Members' motion on it which was carried by a large majority, as the Minister will be aware. We have had detailed discussions on it in the Joint Committee on Social Protection. We came to a conclusion and issued a report, and we have forwarded the report to the Minister. On behalf of all of those who will be or may be affected by the proposed changes, I ask the Minister to outline whether he has seen the report and his views on it.

See this speech in context