Dáil debates

Wednesday, 12 July 2017

Ministers and Secretaries (Amendment) Bill 2017: Committee and Remaining Stages

 

9:45 pm

Photo of Michael RingMichael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I did not like tonight, a Leas-Cheann Comhairle. This debate was not about the Irish language or the Gaeltacht. It was about setting up a new Department. I just want to put that on the record loud and clear.

I am proud to have been born and reared in rural Ireland. I have never used it as a holiday home.

I have always lived in rural Ireland. I understand the problems of rural Ireland. I do the best I can with my colleagues, the Ministers of State, Deputy Kyne and Deputy McHugh, and my colleagues here who represent rural constituencies. This legislation is about setting up a Department that is badly wanted. I thank Deputy Tóibín for his co-operation. We need to get this legislation through. I want to get into the Seanad tomorrow. With the support of the House tonight, we might get into the Seanad tomorrow. We might have this Department up and running so I can come back to the Dáil and tell it what functions I have, what delegation orders I have and what funding I am getting from Government. I need time to get in to deal with the Minister for Finance to make sure I have a proper budget in place, that I have a proper Department set up and that I have a proper team put in place. That is what this legislation is about. It is not major legislation. It is three-line or four-line legislation. I hope we get it through the Seanad tomorrow.

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