Pearse Doherty (Sinn Fein)

Cuirim fáilte roimh an Aire. Ghabh mé comhghairdeas leis nuair a chuir sé an scéim phíolótach ar bun. The Minister acted courageously when he saw an opening at that time. He understood that the Government needed to do something about public anger in this regard, so he stepped in and took it on. The Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs was given responsibility for it, even though the Department of Transport should have been responsible. While I commend him for the action he took at that time, he should also be commended for the spin he put on his decision to shut the programme down. Although there might be cutbacks at Government level, I do not think any spin doctors have been let go so far. The Government did an excellent job of trying to convince us it is a good thing that seven counties will not have this service after 10 July.