Mattie McGrath (Tipperary South, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I will be surprised if the Minister of State were to oppose them. I hope the Government will not do so. Deputy Deering can laugh if he likes but the issue is related to quotas.

The courts are supposed to be free, open and transparent. Unlike me, Deputy Healy-Rae paid €100 into the fund opened by the farmers in question. He and any of the farmers who contributed to the fund are entitled to attend the court when the case comes before it, provided they listen and do not interrupt proceedings or act in a threatening or intimidating manner. If they want to say a rosary, they are entitled to do so.

People need a supply of fresh, clean water and their wastewater must be treated. My concern with regard to Uisce Éireann relates to farmers and business people because they must always pay. When I was a councillor on South Tipperary County Council with the Minister of State, Deputy Tom Hayes, 87% of water charges were recovered. Having made such a mess of Irish Water, the Government will pass on the cost of unpaid charges to farmers and businesses, which is unfair, because this money must come from somewhere. This is the reason so many farmers are sinking wells, although the Government will probably go after wells next.

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