Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I would like to respond to some comments which were made about me earlier in this debate, some of which were audible and at least one of which was inaudible. I wish to put the record straight on this issue.

First, I want to show a red flag to the so-called socialists in this House who have struck decent and honourable men and women in the course of performing their duty in a very difficult economic climate. I refer to the almost 2,000 men and women whose job is to install the hated water meters. Every one of these men and women has a home and most have spouses and children. The intimidation and abuse they experience is appalling. I ask the so-called socialists to desist from this. While they should protest if they wish to do so, they must allow these decent men and women to perform their jobs and live the decent and honourable lives to which they and we are entitled.

I propose to address a number of issues raised by Deputies, specifically Deputy Cowen. Unfortunately, when I asked the Deputy what he said his contribution had not yet been published. That is not a reflection on the Debates Office. The Deputy informed me that his remark was to the effect that I only spoke out after the horse had bolted, that is, after I had been sacked by the Taoiseach. The contrary is the case. I noted in my time as Minister of State that Deputy Cowen was absent more often than he was present for debates. It is notable that the Fianna Fáil Party benches are empty as I speak. What is new? The Deputies are not here because they do not want to know, although they will bang the drum when it suits them.

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