Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I will. I am just reminding the Minister that he had a different viewpoint when he was campaigning for election a number of years ago. He told the people something different in 2011. However, that is his choice. He is entitled to change his mind and he did. That is democracy and I respect that, just as I would like people to take that view when I stand to speak in the House and do not agree wholeheartedly or run with everybody else just because they are all going one way. I will not run that way, and I am entitled not to do so.

There are other comments I wish to make but I will make them at other points in this debate. However, I wish to knock on the head the impression being conveyed by people in political parties that I or other Members are holding up or stifling this debate.

That is wrong, it is untrue and it misrepresents the facts. We are scrutinising the legislation, or trying to, even though the debate is being stifled and rushed and we are not being given a chance. All we are trying to do is our best, and that is to represent. Not everybody is of the same viewpoint on this legislation. Some 100% of the people did not vote for it, so it is not true for some people to give the impression that everybody is in favour of it in its entirety. I ask the Minister to please remember there are people who voted for the legislation and they are not happy with the way it is being changed and with the way it is being ripped asunder.

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