Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

I like to see young people on the right path and pontificating to their colleagues what is the right thing to do. The Bill must be welcomed and I congratulate the Minister on his appointment. In the midlands we are thrilled he was appointed Tánaiste. The midlands is much the richer for having its representative, Deputy Brian Cowen, as Minister for Finance and Tánaiste.

The Bill may not be the be-all and end-all which Members want. However, the budget will take place later in the year. In three months' time, we can use hindsight to consider how this is working and perhaps correct it further.