European affairs and Cabinet reshuffle
A light exchange followed about who would speak on Europe and past Cabinet reshuffles, before the Leader stressed that Europe is increasingly central and praised the Minister of State for European affairs.
Okay. I am sure the Tánaiste would have different views on that.
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Iveagh House might not be so pleased about it.
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I will have a word with Deputy Micheál Martin and we will sort it out.
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Perish the thought that he would ever be in that position.
I recall the famous Cabinet reshuffle in which one Minister, Gemma Hussey, was to move to the European affairs Ministry and Barry Desmond, the former Labour Party Minister, was to move out of his Department. There was a complete hiding-under-the-desk job and doors were locked. I hope we will not go down that road. Senator McDowell is right, though, that Europe is becoming more and more central to what we do. We have a very effective Minister of State with responsibility for European affairs in Deputy McEntee and a very competent and very positive Minister in the Tánaiste, Deputy Coveney, but it is important we give consideration to what Senator McDowell said.
Senators Byrne and Gavan raised the issue of the EPA licensing in Limerick. It is worrying, and I welcome their comments.
Senator Gavan also raised the important matter of my-----