Feargal Quinn (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister of State. I am delighted to have him here. What is particularly pleasing in the finance results that are coming through is that we have a surplus way beyond that which we anticipated, on which I congratulate the Minister of State and Department. I got one piece of advice from Senator Sean D. Barrett, namely, not to forget the shoebox. I asked him what he meant. I am not sure who came up with the shoebox idea. I understand it was Brian Farrell who said when one get a one-off benefit, one should put it in a shoebox rather than spending it or including it in a budget because suddenly it will all be gone. There is a temptation to do that. Let us remember the shoebox and any surplus money we have on that basis.

The debate today was very interesting. I listened to Senators Mary M. White and Mary Ann O'Brien, both of whom are entrepreneurs and started businesses. I remember someone telling me he had huge confidence in anybody who has ever run a business because they lie awake wondering where they will get the money to pay wages at the end of the week. It seems to me that is what the two Senators have done. They spoke of the importance of running a business. The fact that they are both in the chocolate business is very useful.