Jim Walsh (Fianna Fail)

As someone who is not always present at these debates as frequently as the other speakers, the cross-party support for the Minister in his initiatives is a fine endorsement of the work that he is doing in the Department. He has shown a great feel and sensitivity for the whole area. It is an ideal republican philosophy towards people who are under-privileged and who need assistance. That very much reflects my life-long opinion as to what true republicanism is about. I wish the Minister well and I am sure we will have a fine debate on the pension report when it comes before the House.