Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)

I acknowledge and pay tribute to Harvey Morrison Sherratt. I know my words today will mean little to his parents, Stephen and Gillian, who have been tireless advocates and campaigners in recent years for a serious and unacceptable issue. As a parent, I cannot comprehend what they have been through and what they continue to go through. Too often in this Chamber, we are consumed by the personalities of Members of this House and by political point-scoring when our focus should be on outputs for our citizens. We must never lose sight of what we are trying to achieve as parliamentarians: a better and more equal society not just for today but for the generations ahead. No motion of no confidence or countermotion of confidence will help us to achieve this. While Aontú will talk about accountability whenever it gets the opportunity - I share the sentiment and want to ensure there is accountability - proposing a motion of no confidence in the full knowledge that it will not succeed is not about true accountability. It is about garnering headlines. Last week, we saw an increase of €1.6 billion in health and a 20% in the disability budget. This significant expenditure increase is designed to address the challenges we have. We are in a position to allocate this level of funding thanks to a strong economy and a prudent fiscal approach. That work is at risk of being undone if we do not see a level of output and progress across our Departments and agencies. Responsibility ultimately lies with us, as members of the coalition, to deliver the programme for Government. Accountability is not reserved for these benches alone. It should be across our public service and Civil Service. The Tánaiste does not need me to defend him. His electorate has put faith in him time and again. We know this Dáil will vote confidence in him later today.

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