David Norris (Independent)

I welcome the Cabinet reshuffle. I am glad Deputy Connick who was excellent on "Operation Transformation" has been appointed Minister of State. More important from my point of view as one of the people who campaigned against interference in so many of the organisations which support vulnerable people in society - I particularly deplore the manner in which the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform chose to treat equality issues - is the transfer of responsibility for equality issues to Deputy Pat Carey, a fine, honourable and decent man. I am glad the issue of equality has been separated from the Department of Justice and Law Reform.