Shane Cassells (Meath West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I very much welcome the opportunity to contribute on this issue because it provides the opportunity to address what has been achieved in respect of water charges during the discussions on the formation of the minority Government.

This was a process engaged in by Fianna Fáil so the Government of the Thirty-second Dáil could actually come into being. From our position of strength as the largest Opposition party, it involved ensuring the suspension of water charges and the creation of a commission to address the provision of water services going forward. This is the factual position. This is the truth and it is out there. This debate provides Sinn Féin with an opportunity to say "thank you". It provides Sinn Féin Deputies with an opportunity to thank Fianna Fáil for achieving something they like to talk about. Of course, the sniggering from the galleries just reinforces the fact that Sinn Féin has failed to achieve anything from its position so its Deputies decide to snigger and fire insults at those who have taken their mandate and actually brought something constructive to the table and delivered.

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