John Gerard Hanafin (Fianna Fail)

Individual Members, Governments and parties come and go from the Houses. States and unions also come and go. Last week several Members objected to the churches speaking out on matters in respect of which they have competency and in which they have an interest. Not only do the churches have a right to speak out on such matters, they also have a duty to do so. The issue on which the churches commented last week was the Civil Partnership Bill.

It is widely recognised that the economy is improving and that there is likely to be stronger growth this year than was originally expected and that there will be growth of 3% in 2011 and possibly 4% in 2012. In light of the fact that we are close to achieving the major goal we set out to achieve two years ago, it is time to give recognition to the public service and ask that those within it - who have achieved such marvellous results and who, like others, have shouldered such a heavy burden - hold their nerve. These individuals should not be forgotten when the good times return.