Séamus Healy (Tipperary, Workers and Unemployed Action Group) | Oireachtas source

I agree with the concerns expressed by previous speakers. We are seeing an attempt to bulldoze a very significant provision through the House without adequate debate. In fact, not only do we need debate in this House, there also must be widespread public debate on the issue. To proceed as proposed would be hugely damaging to our neutrality and result in its further erosion. It would commit the country to expenditure in this area of 2% per annum, which is some €3 billion. Given the serious issues facing our health, housing and other areas of provision, we should not even be contemplating expenditure of that level on this proposal. The notification for the debate is totally inadequate. There must be full public scrutiny, in this House, in the media and among the public. The matter should be deferred at least until 31 March 2018 to allow for that debate to take place.

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