James Carroll (Fianna Fail)

I will put a date on it, but I hope the Minister of State will stay in his role. He will enjoy it, although it will be a great challenge for him.

Gabhaim buíochas as ucht an deis labhairt ar an rún seo sa Seanad. Ta áthas an domhain orm seans a bheith agam ráiteas a dhéanamh ar thuarascáil an Ombudsman. I do not want to rehash my speech of 18 February for which Senator Twomey was present, but some salient facts need to be laid before the House. Initially, Fine Gael opposed the report going before a committee and instead wanted it to be fully debated in the Houses. When it went to the committee, the feeling was that Fine Gael did not want it there. However, the Joint Committee on Agriculture, Fisheries and Food decided this morning to bring the report before it.