Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I congratulate Deputy Lawless on his accession to the august role that he now finds himself in and I wish him well in the future. Naturally, I will be keeping a close eye on his activities, encouraging the positive and pointing out anything that might be going wrong. I also congratulate the Minister, Deputy Ryan, on his contribution to politics in this country and to this and previous Governments. I wish him well in whatever role he sees for himself in the future.

I also welcome the developments that have taken place and encourage them. I have similar views to the Minister of State and agree that when a major dispute occurs that can have an impact not only on one sector but on the country and economy in general, including on business and industry throughout the country, then there must be a more rapid recognition of the fundamental impact of same. In such situations, there is a need for the earliest possible intervention.

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