Ned O'Sullivan (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

It is extraordinary that a Government which has the biggest majority in the history of the State and which was all set to go right up to Easter 2016 is starting to get so wobbly that we wonder whether it will make the Whit weekend. It has been really shaken by the revelations, mainly but not only in the Department of Justice and Equality. As my party's acting leader, Senator Mooney, stated, we have no ill will towards the former Minister, Deputy Shatter. I found him personable to deal with. He just seemed to have got caught up in so many problems and, eventually, he tripped up.

I congratulate the Minister, Deputy Frances Fitzgerald, on her appointment. She is a well-liked Minister and a competent person.

I also congratulate Charlie McDonald on his promotion.