Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I move:

That the Ceann Comhairle direct the Clerk of the Dáil to issue his writ for the election of a Member to fill the vacancy which has occurred in the membership of the present Dáil consequent on the resignation from Dáil Éireann of Martin Cullen, a member for the constituency of Waterford.

The Government intends to vote down this writ. Mr. Martin Cullen, a former Minister, resigned his seat some time ago and a vacancy therefore occurs. I wish Mr. Cullen, who has suffered chronic back problems for some time, well in his recovery. The Government, however, exhibits political cowardice because it will not go before the people in this or any other constituency and it clings to power because there are now three unfilled vacancies. It does this simply because the numbers in the Dáil allow Fianna Fáil and the Green Party to vote down a writ such as this.

The people of Waterford are entitled to full representation in this Dáil. They elected representatives on the last occasion and their verdict stands for itself. There is now a vacancy in that constituency and it should be filled. It is disgraceful that time and again the Government is afraid to go before the people in this constituency. We have selected our candidate, Senator Coffey, and Deputy Deasy needs assistance to deal with all the representations being made in his constituency.

This Government is guilty of political cowardice in refusing to contest the by-election in Waterford. I urge the Government Chief Whip, Minister of State, Deputy John Curran, to accept the writ and allow a by-election. It is not a distraction, but a necessary democratic facility to allow the people to have their say and to elect their full representation.

John Deasy (Waterford, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

My constituency is no different from any other in that there is a great deal of uncertainty and many people are afraid. Small business owners insist banks are not releasing credit and that it is impossible to pay off existing debt. The main problem, however, is the extreme lack of confidence out there. More than any time since I entered in politics, people crave leadership and a clear direction.

My constituents are pragmatic and savvy enough to understand the damage that has been done to the economy but they are no longer prepared to tolerate the political double talk and evasion. I received a leaflet in the post the other day, presumably in error. It was an "economic update" from Fianna Fáil, entitled "The Road to Recovery - Ireland is Turning a Corner". It talks about improvements in retail sales, motor sales, exports and foreign direct investment. It was an upbeat assessment of the economic position. When it comes to holding a by-election in Waterford, or anywhere else for that matter, the reason given for not holding it is that we are in no position economically to consider any by-election. Effectively, Fianna Fáil is speaking out of both sides of its mouth, and has been for some time.

We all understand the real reason there will not be a by-election or an election to the mayoralty of Dublin any time soon. Fianna Fáil would be lucky to get 15% of votes in the capital, an assessment that comes from Fianna Fáil's own Deputies. One of them told me last week that was an optimistic forecast and that, if that happened, it would spell serious problems for the Fianna Fáil leadership. This is down to the naked reality of political survival and absolutely nothing else.

We will wait for the general election in Waterford. I have been given the job of winning two seats there, which I have taken on. I take nothing for granted - it will be difficult - but in the meantime, when it comes to the Government giving its reasons for not holding the Waterford by-election, I would appreciate one thing, that the Government would stop insulting the intelligence of my constituents. They know what the score is and understand why these by-elections are not taking place.

Brian O'Shea (Waterford, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Beidh Páirtí an Lucht Oibre ag vótáil ar son na tairisceana seo go n-órdóidh an Ceann Comhairle do Chléireach na Dála a eascaire a chur amach chun Comhalta athoghadh chun an folúntas a líonadh a tharla i gcomhaltas na Dála seo de dhroim Martin Cullen, comhalta do dháilcheanntar Phort Láirge, a éirí as oifig.

The Labour Party will be supporting this motion to move the writ for the overdue by-election in the Waterford constituency.

The by-election is necessary arising from the resignation of Martin Cullen due to his unfortunate ill-health. I trust that he is recovering and will be restored to a good quality of life. Martin Cullen resigned on 23 March and there is no valid reason for delaying the by-election this long. The people of Waterford are under-represented in the Dáil and should and must have their full compliment of Dáil Deputies. There has hardly been a time in the history of the State when full representation has been more necessary.

As of 30 April, the live register for Waterford stood at 14,291. This is an increase of 1,216 on the same date last year. The live register in the Waterford exchange area is 12,045 while it is 2,246 for the Dungarvan area. In the Waterford exchange area 1,685 males and 988 females under 25 years of age are on the live register. The comparative figures for Dungarvan are 279 males and 131 females. These figures do not include the people from the Waterford constituency who have been forced to emigrate.

Against this background, the absolute need to have the full complement of Dáil Deputies is all too apparent. The Government will almost certainly not agree to holding the Waterford by-election, or indeed the by-elections in Donegal and Dublin South. The very strong possibility is that it will lose all three, thereby ending up in a very precarious position regarding its Dáil majority. The fact that the Dublin South writ has not been moved is odd, considering that George Lee resigned his seat on 8 February, six weeks before Martin Cullen resigned.

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

That will be the next one.

Brian O'Shea (Waterford, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The practical way forward would be to hold the three by-elections on the same day.

Getting back to today's motion, I call on the Government to put the rights of the people of Waterford before its narrow interests by accepting this motion. Fianna Fáil and the Green Party know that the judgment of the electorate of Waterford will be very harsh on their performance in Government so they are running away. They can run but they cannot hide. Within two years they will have to face the music anyway. If the motion is not agreed, the Government will be continuing a grave injustice against the people of Waterford. Waterford and the south east have been neglected by the Government, in particular in the area of job creation.

There is a crying need to upgrade Waterford Institute of Technology to university status. The model proposed is for the university of the south east. The Government continues to prevaricate on the application of Waterford Institute of Technology. The south east is the only region without a university. In order for the region to get its share of the new type employment that will come on stream, the research and development capacity of Waterford and the region must be brought in line with the rest of the country. Nothing is more important than university status for the future prosperity of and job creation in Waterford and the region. The Government is afraid to face the electorate of Waterford on this and many other issues.

The way the Government has failed the people of Waterford and its lack of joined-up thinking is illustrated by the ongoing crisis due to the chronic lack of courtrooms in Waterford. There is a proposal for the extension of the existing courthouse but this cannot progress unless the fire station is demolished and a new modern fire station is constructed on a different site. There is a singular lack of urgency and co-ordination in regard to moving these projects forward.

The Government failed the Waterford Crystal workers. The constituency of Waterford needs jobs and needs to be listened to by the Government. The Government will choose not to face the people so that a new Deputy can be elected for the constituency. Waterford will continue to be deprived.

Martin Ferris (Kerry North, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The first point that needs to be made on the overall delay in calling the by-elections due in Donegal, Dublin and Waterford is that Seanad by-elections have been held quickly. One would assume that the same considerations apply to Dáil by-elections as to Seanad by-elections in terms of the logistics of organising them. We must assume that factors are at work other than the organising of a poll.

It is clear the factor which applies to Dáil by-elections is that the Government is terrified of facing the electorate in any constituency in the State in the current climate. That is the sole reason we have not had these by-elections. Polls have indicated that support for both Government parties is low and that Fianna Fáil is facing the worst election outing since the party was founded. That would give t little or no hope of winning seats in any of the by-elections that need to be held. However, that is not a sufficient reason in any democracy for not holding an election. People have rights.

The reasons popular support for Fianna Fáil and the Green Party is so low is due to the current state of the economy and the high and rising level of unemployment and all the problems associated with that in terms of people slipping into poverty and debt. There is also massive anger over the manner in which public sector workers' pay has been undermined and the slashing of public services in contrast with what appears to be the Government's kid-glove approach to those responsible for the current mess, particularly the fallout from financial and property speculation. Instead of punishing those responsible, the Government has shifted the onus for the crisis on those who have no power over the Government's ability to attack their wage packets and living standards.

Unemployment in Waterford city has risen by more than 50% in the 12 months to the end of July 2009, with 12,744 people now signing on. This increased from 8,383 in July 2008. Waterford city is heavily dependent on manufacturing and a series of heavy hits have devastated the local economy. There are a number of positive steps that can and must be taken to secure the long-term economic viability of the region and the city. Waterford city must become the engine of the economic driver in the region. Government support and investment in the city as a gateway of the region has been poor and no doubt the former Member would have been aware of this in making his decision to retire.

What needs to be done in Waterford is the same as what needs to be done nationally, which is to provide a stimulus to local indigenous enterprises to capitalise on existing and potential advantages to kick-start growth rather than to wait for an international upturn overseen by austerity measure packages which could mean we would be left behind if and when such an upturn comes about. Part of Sinn Féin's proposals on this is a €300 million job retention fund to subsidise workers in small and medium sized enterprises. Such a fund would ensure access to credit in small businesses while also offering other advice and business development skills now on offer only to new or exporting businesses. The Government has finally introduced a €250 million job subsidy scheme. This is a small step towards what is needed. The Government also introduced a €50 million enterprise stabilisation fund and it is vital that Waterford projects are included in those which access funding from that source.

The only potential power people have is their right to exercise their vote. They will do so in no uncertain manner when the Government faces the overall electorate in the next general election, whenever it is held. In the meantime, the Government ought to facilitate the electorate in Waterford, Donegal South-West and Dublin South, where by-elections are due to be held, by moving the writs and at least allowing people in those constituencies give their judgment. To do otherwise is to show cowardice.

John Curran (Dublin Mid West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I will share time with Deputy Brendan Kenneally.

I pay tribute to the political career of Martin Cullen, and along with his Fianna Fáil colleagues his strong record of delivering for the people of Waterford. Taking a seat in the House in Waterford in 1987, Martin Cullen went on to become a strong advocate for the people of Waterford and their interests. Working with Fianna Fáil colleagues, such as Deputy Brendan Kenneally and former Deputy Ollie Wilkinson, throughout his career, Martin Cullen has a proud and successful record of delivery for the people of Waterford. He took immense pride in his Waterford roots and always fought ferociously on its behalf. Although he has many achievements at constituency level, the one which stands out the most was the opening last October of the outstanding new bridge and bypass of Waterford. Martin was rightly immensely proud of the delivery of that project.

The country has just gone through one of the worst economic recessions in memory. Many people have been hurt by the severe economic downturn, particularly those who have lost their jobs. The Government has had to take very hard decisions, which were not popular but were necessary. I am glad the tough decisions we have taken are now beginning to bear fruit. We are emerging from the recession.

The European Union is now forecasting that we will be one of the fastest growing economies in the European Union next year. This is growth and recovery which will help to breath new energy into the economy, not just of the island of Ireland but also of Waterford and the south east. We must not become complacent about this recovery. We must stay the course and make the decisions which are needed to keep Ireland on the road to recovery. It is important that we send out a very clear message from this House regarding the work we are doing and that international confidence is maintained. That can be seen very clearly by the fact that the Government bonds issued yesterday were three times oversubscribed. The Government will be staying focused on bringing jobs not just to the country generally but to Waterford in particular and lifting Ireland out of recession. That is the reason why we will vote against the motion.

The Fine Gael Party, in tabling this motion today, is breaking somewhat with the convention of the House. It was normally the party whose member had left that moved the writ.

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Not always.

John Curran (Dublin Mid West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I understand that it probably would have been somewhat difficult for Fine Gael to move the writ and table this motion for the Dublin constituency from which its member resigned, even thought it predates the vacancy caused by the departure of Martin Cullen. In that regard I view this------

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

On a point of information------

John Curran (Dublin Mid West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

In this regard I refer to this as political opportunism on the part of Deputy Kenny.

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

On a point of information, it is not normally the convention. It has been done before. I give notice that next week Fine Gael will table a Private Members' motion on an amendment to the 1992 Electoral Act requiring that all by-elections be held within a six month period. We will see if the Government puts its money where its mouth is.

P J Sheehan (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Hear, hear.

Brendan Kenneally (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I thank the Minister of State, Deputy Curran, the Chief Whip, for sharing his time with me. I am glad to have the opportunity to say a few words on this motion today. I wish Martin Cullen well. We all know why we are here; it is because, unfortunately, he had to resign his seat in this House. I have not seen him in a number of weeks but I know he has been undergoing rehabilitation for his very bad back ailment. I wish him a good recovery and I hope he will have a good quality of life in the future.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Opposition parties this morning for thinking of my welfare in trying to bring about a situation whereby we would elect another Fianna Fáil Deputy for Waterford in order that he could share the workload with me. I would like to tell it that I am coping very well with the duties I have at present.

Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Why would it not be a woman?

Tom Hayes (Tipperary South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

You always did.

Brendan Kenneally (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Nevertheless, its gesture in that regard is much appreciated. Normally I agree that we should hold by-elections whenever it is prudent to do so but we are not in normal times. We are living in unprecedented times and everybody here knows that. We are coming out of a global recession. This country has been in recession and we are coming out of it.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Whose fault is that?

Brendan Kenneally (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I know that the people of this country would not thank us for taking our eye off the ball while we are turning things around and sending the Taoiseach, Ministers and Deputies from both sides of the House to Waterford, Donegal South-West or Dublin South to fight three by-elections which will not make a huge difference in here because the Government will still have a majority. It is more important----

Tom Hayes (Tipperary South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

What about the people?

Brendan Kenneally (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

It is more important that we get on with our work here. I, along with my colleagues in Waterford, Deputies Deasy and O'Shea, are capable of representing the views and wishes of the people of Waterford in the House and will continue to do that. Nobody is coming into my clinics in Waterford to ask me when we will have a by-election and saying that we should have one. Their focus is on jobs; that is what our focus should be and we should concentrate on that.

Tom Hayes (Tipperary South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

They are coming into south Tipperary because they cannot be represented. They are coming across to Clonmel.