Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I start by thanking Deputy Varadkar for the work he has done, particularly in the past four years but also over his time in this Dáil. As leader of his party and as Taoiseach, he leaves the county in a position whereby the economy has never been stronger. History will judge Leo's timing in how he managed Brexit with the British Government, knowing when was the time for a deal and what that deal would be, as something to be recognised. Similarly, the critical moment early in 2020 when fear about Covid was so strong in the land, his words to reassure people showed real leadership. That record will travel with you whatever you do next. As the Tánaiste said, I am absolutely convinced that you will continue to have a role in public life. What you said this morning - it is true - about how leading a coalition of equals is very important. The ability to know that it is not just about numbers and that it is about the ideas, being open to persuasion and being able to compromise and work collectively is hugely important.

Another person I have seen over the 20 years or more I have been here is Simon Coveney. He was here before me, but we started out together on the joint committee on climate energy, reflecting on technology and examining how we could improve the lives of our people by thinking long term. Similarly, I remember that very difficult period during the financial crash when things could not have got harder. I remember keeping in touch with Simon at that time. There was connection between the Opposition and the Government. It was the public interest you were thinking of, not just your party's interest.

Deputies Howlin and McDonald will recall this. During the Brexit period, how often did we go into Iveagh House? It was almost monthly. Simon was there, on an absolutely open and transparent basis. It was not just us; trade unions, NGOs, academics and the business community were represented. Simon was an open book and operated a partnership model. We do social partnership in this country in order to share what is happening and listen to what the best thinking might be. That partnership approach works and delivers for our country. The Government is committed to it for the remaining ten months of its mandate under the Constitution.

I hear others saying we have to have an election now. I fundamentally disagree because there is work to be done that we can deliver. The Minister, Deputy O'Brien, has turned things around in housing and the numbers there do not lie. There has been a dramatic increase and that can continue and will continue.

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