Darragh O'Brien (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I will be quick. I regret very much that the business of the House has been curtailed in the past couple of days. We have, however, tried to be constructive and there are some positive measures included in the Bill. I welcome the additional training places and the small number of additional child care places. As I said on Second Stage, I have a great deal of regard for the Minister and acknowledge that she has a tough job to do. I wish to take her up on two offers. She referred to her next meeting with the troika, but she did not state on Second Stage the true facts in relation to the troika and decision-making. I take her up on the offer she made, as I am sure other Members would wish to do, to invite a delegation from the Seanad to attend her next meeting with the troika. I respect her as a Minister who is representing us. I meet the troika as part of the finance grouping. However, I have yet to meet one person who can tell me that the cut to the respite care grant was right.