Mary Fitzpatrick (Fianna Fail)

I thank the Taoiseach for coming here today and sharing his thoughts with us. I also thank him for the work he is doing and the leadership he is providing, not just in this House or in this country, but right around the world. We are very proud of his leadership and the way he expresses Ireland's values in terms of equality, freedom and democracy. We would all be greatly appreciative if he could keep that up.

The Taoiseach appointed me as spokesperson for local government, Dublin and heritage. The local democracy task force is a great initiative. It is one that delivers enhancements in terms of a rebalancing of power between the executive and the elected functions and adequate resourcing of elected representatives. As the Taoiseach is aware, all democracy is local. The foundations of our democracy are in local government.

When Fianna Fáil was in opposition, the Taoiseach first suggested to me the establishment of a north inner city authority. As Taoiseach, he has made that a reality through the Dublin city task force. I thank him for that. Already, people in Dublin are seeing increased Garda numbers, increased street cleaning and an increased provision of housing. There is a vibrancy and diversity in our capital that I believe we will all showcase - not just Dublin but the country - when the Taoiseach leads us in the EU Presidency.