Danny Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I sympathise with our guests sincerely. Even though I am from Kerry and we are far away from Roscommon I feel for the residents. I have listened to all the different things that happened along the way. I cannot understand how people, who I will not give the benefit of naming, could impede or stop residents from protecting their homes or their property. I cannot understand why people would be so bad as to deny the residents that right. I was brought up to think your home is your castle, your property is yours and no-one else's and that no-one should interfere with you. I always thought there was a law of natural justice that would allow you to protect your home. I was brought up with that idea firmly imprinted in my head.

I appreciate all the work of the local authority, the county manager and all the elected representatives have done. They are doing their best. I can be relied on in any vote in the House on this matter. I will give any support I can. I can understand what would sort this out because I have been involved in this kind of drainage work since I was a young fellow. I know what it would take and how long it would take to finish this.