Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael)

My question is simple. When will a Minister step up to the mark and say: "I am responsible, I am accountable and the buck stops with me"? Stop blaming officials. It would be like the Cathaoirleach blaming the officials for being unable to do something in this House. The Leader, as the Government representative here, and Ministers are the accountable and elected face of this Government. There is no Government policy. It is making it up as one goes along and ordinary people are suffering because of its cowardice.