Mick Barry (Cork North Central, Solidarity) | Oireachtas source

I apologise to the witnesses for my lateness, I was delayed on the picket line at Lloyds Pharmacy in Stoneybatter.

As the Vice Chairman has asked me to be brief, I will ask one question. It relates to the question of a referendum, which featured strongly in the correspondence back and forth between the ICTU and the Minister. ICTU supports a referendum to keep water publicly owned, as do I. Is it a condition for ICTU that there be a referendum in order to support a stand-alone company? I see real dangers in a stand-alone company, as it would be easier to privatise than it would to privatise services in 31 local authorities. The question of a referendum is key. In his correspondence, the Minister indicated he was favourable towards a referendum but I can say, from what I see in this House, that the large parties have no intention of facilitating a referendum. They will offer words and hints but they block any serious attempt to push it forward. Is the holding of a referendum a condition of ICTU supporting a stand-alone company or does it see it as two separate issues?