Catherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I have great respect for the Minister, Deputy Naughten, but in terms of his comments tonight regarding fake news, I despair of the stale and predominantly male vision of the world that looks on us as passive consumers and passive recipients of services, with an absolute refusal to look at evidence that might inform Government policy. The Minister should stop insulting us, telling us about fake news, stating that the market is the only way forward and indicating that he is being forced to regulate a market that, of its nature, cannot be regulated. Some services are essential. They are essential for any civilised, democratic society. We should not seek to divide and conquer on these issues and we should not seek to distinguish the poor people and those who need incontinence sheets from those who do not. This is an essential service. If the Minister does not accept that, perhaps he might consider what was done in Galway, a matter to which I have referred ad nauseamin this House since I was elected.

Galway local authority waste management services was the second last to be privatised. A particular union played a very bad role in that process. We showed what was possible. I will rephrase that - the people of Galway showed politicians and, more importantly, management what was possible. They led us by the nose. When we were told by engineers, whose reports cost millions of euros, that we could not achieve zero waste and that we could only get to 45% recycling, we reached 70% recycling on a shoestring budget on a pilot project. On an ongoing basis, we diverted 56% from landfill on a shoestring budget. The people said, "We are not passive consumers, we are not people to be told, we will tell you, we want to be part of society, we know how important it is", and they led the way. What happened? The service was privatised under Government policy. As my time has expired, I would be delighted to give the Minister all of the facts and figures another time.

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