Paschal Donohoe (Fine Gael)

I support the call made by colleagues for a debate on the proposed reorganisation of Departments. I welcome the apparent suggestion of a Department with responsibility for public service reform and another Department that will focus specifically on the need to train and educate the unemployed. However, I wish to make two points. First, these proposals are being driven by the McCarthy report which has not been properly debated in the House. It will have significant implications for major decisions that will be made in respect of our country. Second, I want to emphasise the point that, despite my welcome, new Departments are not the answer to the difficulties we are facing. Rather, we need a new attitude, a new awareness of the challenges we face and a new willingness to develop fresh ideas to tackle them.

I refer to the debate in the House on Ryanair and hangar 6, a matter touched on by Senators Ross and Norris. I reject the growing distaste articulated by some for a business that is willing to get out there, hustle, argue and sell itself to drive its business. This is the spirit our businesses need at home and abroad.