Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)

I thank the Deputies. When this was discussed at a recent General Affairs Council meeting I made the point that there are few issues in Ireland that unites people on all sides of the political divide in the same way as this issue does. There is a real anxiety, a growing impatience and a feeling of impotence about this. We believe this is undoubtedly one of those areas where we can have more effect by acting under the aegis of the European Union than by making speeches in this House. What is happening in what was once a beautiful country and which has been spoiled is an abomination. The Deputies can be assured that I will continue in my efforts in this regard, as will the Minister.

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