Peter Burke (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)

The first thing Aontú has done is brought the nuclear option and tried to pull down the Government, with parties that are providing solutions together for these families. When I was appointed Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, the then Taoiseach, Deputy Simon Harris, immediately said we need to reset and focus on family businesses. Since then, in the first eight weeks we delivered an SME package. We brought forward an action plan on market diversification and an action plan on competitiveness and productivity, enhancing the productive capacity of our economy and ensuring our SMEs get the support they need. That is a Government of delivery.

The moment I was most proud of Deputy Simon Harris, was in this Chamber on 23 April 2024, just 14 days after he was elected Taoiseach, when he delivered a State apology to victims of the Stardust fire. At that time, we saw 48 young faces whose lives were taken short. We saw a Taoiseach bring forward an apology full of empathy and compassion that transcended politics. His words were recognised by those who had carried the pain for decades. That is the Simon Harris I know - a man of compassion and a family man. That is the Simon Harris I am proud of and I admire. I am absolutely privileged that he leads our party.

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