Fergal Browne (Fine Gael)

I welcome the Minister to the House. I would like to reassure Senator Leyden that the world will continue when Fine Gael gets back into power. Fine Gael has a unique role in Irish history, as witnessed in the recent documentary on Kevin O'Higgins, capturing a sad time in Irish politics. We should not forget that we are all in a privileged position today, thanks to people like Kevin O'Higgins and others on both sides of the political divide involved in the foundation of the State. Fine Gael has a proud record in looking after the marginalised in society and much work still needs to be done in that area.

It has been brought to my attention by health board officials in my region that many supplementary budgets have been under-spent, which is a reflection of the unrealistic limits set on them. I ask the Minister to examine this issue. It is worrying that supplementary budgets allocated specifically for people on the margins of society have been underspent. Following his appointment, the Minister acknowledged this aspect.

I wish the Minister well in his new appointment. I was not here on the week of the Cabinet reshuffle because I was in Carlow attending the National Ploughing Championships. I was dismayed when I heard Deputy Brennan had been moved from the Department of Transport. I was spokesman on transport and had a very good working relationship with him. I have been moved to health so I know what it feels like. Many of the decisions he made in respect of transport were correct, particularly regarding Aer Lingus. I made it clear in this House that Fine Gael was in favour of his plan to examine the option of privatisation, which will come back to haunt the Government. The recent resignations of the three executives of the company have thrown a spanner in the works. Perhaps it is a reflection of the Minister's absence because he appeared to be making decisions, unlike what is happening at present.

I wish to express gratitude to Senator Leyden for speaking here today. He lost his voice yesterday during the debate on the Hanly report. We were all waiting for him to make a contribution.