John Minihan (Progressive Democrats)

I welcome the Minister to the House. I am glad he is here for this debate. Initially I had not intended to speak on this issue. I felt there were enough people from the west and from Connacht to eloquently outline the issues on the Private Members' motion, but having listened to Senator Ryan I decided I would have to speak and take issue with the points he made.

I do not question the right of Fine Gael to raise any issue it sees fit in Private Members' time.