Jim Walsh (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State, Deputy O'Dowd for his comments. Indeed, I wish him well, as Senator Landy has done, in the days ahead. I served with the Minister of State in this House when he was in opposition and my party was in government a decade or more ago.

I also accept the bona fides of the Minister of State, Deputy Sherlock. I am sure the Ministers of State believe what they say when they give those assurances to us but we need to remind ourselves, as I am sure the Minister of State, Deputy O'Dowd, will accept, that Ministers come and go. They are birds of passage. In fact, next week the Minister of State may be hold a different portfolio-----