Peter Mathews (Dublin South, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I just want to add a few thoughts that come to mind, having listened to the contributions. It is just not good enough for a Government as strong as this to introduce legislation as weak as this. It is only creating an appearance; it is an illusion; it is like a mirage. The legislation needs teeth and the teeth that have been offered in the amendments by Deputies Wallace and Daly are calibrated and they demonstrate a measurable intent to do something. They are not just wishful thinking or aspirational; they are calibrated. Scotland has given us a working example of how this works. Just because the EU has delivered watered down versions as a result of strong lobbying in these areas does not mean that we should accept proportional watering down. If anything, we should add a little concentrate to this because, as previous speakers said, everything is joined up. It is not only about the physics of the realities around us that apply; the financial obligations of the State and of companies to the people are related; and, therefore, they need to be defined, clear and reasonable. That is what is proposed. What are the Government parties afraid of? They should not be afraid.

In a few months, if not earlier, the Government parties will seek to secure a concrete number of seats. They will aim at seats and they will not adopt a wishy, washy attitude of, "We'll do our best". They will number crunch and they will give all their supporters targets. They will make orders for poster, billboards and so on, which will be costed. Yet, they are afraid to do this in this regard for the people, which is extraordinary.

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