Finian McGrath (Dublin Bay North, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I join my colleagues in strongly objecting to the Order of Business and particularly the fact that the Dáil is concluding this evening at 6.30 p.m. I agree with my colleagues. I attended the Whips meeting with Deputy Boyd Barrett and I supported him on having a debate on water charges. The whole country is discussing this issue and while it is an important issue there are also other important issues. Let us consider what happened on the streets of Dublin last night. Two people were gunned down on their streets in gangland murders. One happened in the Sunset House pub on the north side of Dublin, which many of us know from going to Croke Park over many years. The other murder took place in Clondalkin. This is a major issue that should also be debated. Action should be taken by the Garda Commissioner and the Minister for Justice with people being gunned down in pubs and houses. This is not acceptable. This feud has gone on for many weeks. We need to focus on this issue. I urge the Government to consider expanding the debate to discuss the horrific nature of gangland murders and crimes.

With respect of other issues such as health and disability services, water charges and housing issues, we need to get on with doing the job and we need to become relevant to the people. The people are hopping mad because this Dáil is not functioning. We need to get on and do the job. That is the reason we were elected, and we need to get on and do it now.

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