Seán Canney (Galway East, Independent)

I rise today to pay tribute to my colleague, Deputy Paschal Donohoe, on the occasion of his departure from Cabinet. It is an important moment for this House and the country because it marks the close of a remarkable chapter in public service, one defined by stability, integrity and an unwavering commitment to the Irish people. Paschal Donohoe has given incredible service to this State since he first entered the Dáil in 2011. His contribution stretches across more than a decade of national decision-making, including some of the most challenging periods in modern Irish economic history. I want to place on record my sincere best wishes to him, both personally and on behalf of the Independent colleagues whom I have the privilege to lead in Cabinet.

It was an honour to serve alongside Paschal in the Cabinet of the Thirty-fourth Dáil. As Minister for Finance, he brought a steadiness that never wavered, even in moments of deep uncertainty. His approach on every issue, large or small, showed the same calm judgment and the same respect for the process of government. His leadership was instrumental in guiding Ireland through some of the most testing economic conditions in recent times. During the years of Brexit, the Covid pandemic, global inflationary pressures and significant geopolitical instability, Paschal’s voice consistently brought reassurance. He had a deep understanding of the Irish economy but, more importantly, he understood the people behind the numbers - the families, the workers, the businesses and the communities whose well-being depends on sound and careful economic management.

His stewardship of the public finances gave this country confidence when confidence was badly needed. He demonstrated that economic competence and compassion are not competing values but complementary responsibilities. He was clear, he was principled and he was honest, even when the advice he gave or the decisions he had to take were difficult. That integrity was recognised at home and abroad.

On a personal note, I will miss working with Paschal. We first worked together during my time in the Office of Public Works in 2016. From that period on, I came to know him as a straight-talking, highly capable and deeply committed colleague - somebody who listened carefully, considered every viewpoint and never sought credit for himself. What mattered to him was the outcome, not the headlines. Around the Cabinet table, Paschal always focused on the long-term consequences of decisions. He had the discipline to look past the political cycle and keep sight of the broader national interest, a quality that is essential.

His presence brought balance, his contributions brought perspective, and his approach brought civility to debates that often occurred under significant pressure. His record speaks for itself: budget after budget delivered stability, restored confidence in Ireland’s public finances, strengthened international relationships, including within the Eurogroup, where he earned enormous respect, and demonstrated the ability, year after year, to keep Ireland on a sustainable economic path while also ensuring the State could invest in housing, public services and infrastructure on a scale that simply would not have been possible without sound financial management.

As he embarks on the next stage of his career, I wish Paschal every possible success. I hope the years ahead bring him the same sense of fulfilment that his years in office have brought to this country. Ireland’s loss is the world’s gain.

The Tánaiste, Deputy Simon Harris, now takes up the mantle of Minister for Finance, a challenge he will no doubt rise to. The Tánaiste is an extremely experienced voice at the table. His previous roles will solidify his position. In fact, his first ministerial role was as Minister of State in the Department of Finance in 2014.

Deputy Helen McEntee, who is beside me, is now Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade and Minister for Defence, and I congratulate her on her role, a role I know she will bring a wealth of experience and expertise to. She is no stranger to the foreign affairs side of things, having previously served as Minister of State for European affairs.

My fellow Galwegian Deputy Hildegarde Naughton now assumes the role of Minister for Education and Youth. I am truly delighted for her. She has been the Government Chief Whip, a role she carried out extremely well, and she comes from a role as Minister of State in the Department of Children, Disability and Equality. In fact, she is also a former Minister of State in my Department, the Department of Transport. She will bring another strong female voice to the Cabinet, which is very welcome.

I also congratulate Deputy Frankie Feighan, my friend from Roscommon, and Deputy Emer Higgins on their new roles. I assure the Tánaiste, Deputy McEntee, and the Minister, Deputy Naughton, of my full support and that of the Independent colleagues going forward. We wish them the very best of luck in their new roles.

From a Government perspective, over the last number of months we have launched a new housing plan and a revised national development plan, which will be the root of our nation over the coming years. The updated national development plan provides unprecedented levels of investment to secure Ireland’s future, unlock housing, upgrade water and energy infrastructure, deliver more roads and provide more public transport. The housing plan, launched just last week, is a major step towards tackling the housing challenge through practical action, reform and investment. Together in government, we will continue to accelerate our housing and infrastructure goals, and the changes in Cabinet today will solidify that. This is a Government of intent and implementation. Back in January, when my Independent colleagues and I decided to go into government and agree a programme for Government to deliver change-----

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