Labhrás Ó Murchú (Fianna Fail)

Senator Ryan said he was not referring to the incumbent in the office, and we have had glowing commendations for the Minister today. The Minister has an excellent record in meeting with the various groups involved in community and other development work throughout the country. It is clear that in this case the Minister would have an excellent knowledge of what was happening in the field. Senator McHugh was generous in suggesting the Minister would avoid compromise but there is no doubt he is a courageous man, and it is not just this Minister we are talking about but future Ministers.

We have to examine our own positions as Senators or Deputies because we could eventually reach a stage where we could become impotent in the context of our interaction and involvement in decision making. We have to be careful in that regard. In terms of this and other legislation we are constantly putting pieces of a jigsaw puzzle together which provides greater transparency and accountability. The public expects that from us and it is right that we do that. That arises from healthy debate but it would be wrong of us to think that we are politically correct in avoiding all types of decision making and responsibility. After all, a Minister has to first win his position on the hustings and then in terms of his own capability and knowledge of the portfolio. We have a fairly good system and there will always be checks and balances involved in terms of any discussion that will take place subsequently at the reporting stage.

Earlier, the Minister made clear the greatest check and balance is the ballot box in terms of whether one has fulfilled one's role diligently and fairly. It must be accepted our Ministers are generally of high calibre and we should have confidence in them to do what is right and equitable, no matter which Government is in power.