Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael)

I congratulate the new Government on its appointment, but I notice the truce is broken this morning with the decision of former Minister of State, Deputy Tom Kitt, to retire at the next general election. I wonder how long Senators Ciaran Cannon and Dan Boyle will stay in their positions on the Government side of the House, because we need an urgent debate on the role of Government. We have a Government now that is operating by spin and ignoring the needs of ordinary people. For example, we have the announcement this morning by Aer Lingus that it is increasing the fuel surcharge on transatlantic passengers. I hope there is not an element of profiteering by Aer Lingus in this regard. The open skies policy was meant to——