Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Why can Sinn Féin not accept the results of a democratic vote in the Dáil? There will also be a democratic vote in the Seanad where Senators will have ample opportunity to decide how they wish to respond. They will take their democratic decision as well. Why be so fearful of a committee which will bring in experts to discuss the issue? It will be very helpful to have experts at a committee designed especially to consider this issue. Ireland is the only country in Europe which does not have water charges. It is worthwhile to have a committee with expert input which was agreed by this House. It has been given a clear remit about the issue to be discussed and will report within three months. That is a democratic process which the Government has put forward and which we will vote on today. I suggest Sinn Féin has its input into the committee when it is formed. It is the appropriate place for Sinn Féin to put its opinions on the table.

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