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

I welcome this debate but I too have concerns on the following grounds. When studying another country’s history, even if it has been improving in recent times, it is important to look at how it treats people who are less well-off, how it treats people from a health point of view and how it treat different sexes. In some countries, girls a in family are treated in an awful and horrible way in comparison to the boys. In some countries, there was the one-child rule. We know what happened to the girls in those cases. These are awful and horrible things. I have concerns about Singapore's track record, and about much of what it has done over the years. Some people seem to be welcoming of Singapore tonight and are suggesting that it has come on a lot. I, however, would be slow to comment from a political point of view. Every one of us here is an individual when it comes to voting and when it comes to expressing his or her viewpoint. My viewpoint is one of concern and trepidation.

I am fearful of what this would mean for us in trade. It is fine to say trade goes both ways, but I am concerned. At the moment, we seem to be signing up for an awful lot of hurt and for little gain when it comes to trade. The carbon budget is looming on the horizon. Its implications will be hard-hitting for business, farming, tourism, sport and in how we go about our daily lives. I urge caution on this subject.

I would be mindful and fearful of signing what I consider a blank cheque on behalf of the people. I would err on the side of caution. I want more time and debate on this matter before I can say that this is great.

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