Martin Conway (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

We should all endorse the two Senators and our other two colleagues, Senators Susan O'Keeffe and Michael D'Arcy, for their commitment to and agreeing to take part in the banking inquiry. It is clear that some people wish they had never been appointed to the banking inquiry committee and have jumped off. I see this as a reneging of responsibilities. I wish the four representatives from this House well in their deliberations.

I thank the Government for recognising the mistake made in respect of discretionary medical cards. It is one thing to realise a mistake was made but an entirely different matter to turn around and rectify and apologise for it. If ever there was a clear demonstration of understanding the electorate after an election, it is reflected in that decision. I regret, however, that it took an election to create this new reality. Everyone makes mistakes, including governments. I would not want to be ruled by a Government that did not make a mistake, but the key challenge is to learn from them. I hope we will move on to a fresh and more positive environment because the people want positivity from their politicians, not the negative drivel they are getting day in, day out.