Susan O'Keeffe (Labour) | Oireachtas source

I am sure that those who await the tap on the shoulder will be grateful for Senator Mooney's good wishes. It is important to state at this point that while some people would characterise the events of this week as having been delayed, I believe it is worth taking the time that is necessary to have a good and strong new Cabinet and to put in place the policies to which both the Tánaiste and the Taoiseach agree, because once one rushes into something, one cannot undo it. I find it slightly annoying that people persist in talking about the delay as though some class of deadline had been put in place, which is not the case. There is a big job that must be done and I hope and trust there will be a good outcome for the Government and for the people.

If I may, I will take this opportunity to pay tribute to the departing Minister for Education and Skills, Deputy Quinn, for the incredible amount of work he has done over his years of service in the Oireachtas.