Holly Cairns (Cork South-West, Social Democrats)

At the outset, I express my deep sorrow at the loss of five young lives in a horrific car crash in Louth at the weekend. My thoughts are with their families, their friends and their local communities at this terrible time.

I want to use this opportunity to wish the Minister, Deputy Paschal Donohoe, well as he leaves public office. The Minister has managed something very rare in politics, which is to keep a secret and to surprise everybody today. We obviously do not agree on lots but I know the Minister has worked very hard since his election. On a personal level and on behalf of the Social Democrats, I wish him and his family the very best.

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