David Norris (Independent)

I was not really offering but the Cathaoirleach's benign paternal eye spotted me. This is a matter on which I had thought I might have an opportunity to speak but there have been many other engagements this evening, such as the launch of Deputy Michael D. Higgins' book and the launch of a programme for the restoration of St. Patrick's Cathedral by the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Deputy Roche. I gather some funds will be made available to ensure this valuable project proceeds.

I am glad to have the opportunity to speak on this Bill because I have several general points to make. The Minister of State has referred to franchising out maintenance and repairs on gas lines. This is deplorable. It is part of the move away from our creditable State agencies. Gas and water supply, allied with companies such as Bord na Móna, were State enterprises. Although some had problems, at least one knew with whom one was dealing. Now one does not. Every time one calls about a missing part, one speaks to a different person. There should be some standardisation. It is a pity we have chosen to franchise everything out and dismantle State enterprises. This runs through the entire system. It applies to telephone services too. The company says it will record one's conversation for the purpose of teaching its apprentices rather than asking permission to do so.

There is a section in the Bill dealing with safety of liquefied gas in pipelines. This strikes directly at the Shell to Sea issue. I am dismayed at the Government's attitude to this matter. It is extraordinary that our Constitution, which guarantees property rights, appears only to guarantee the rights of property developers and speculators. Small people who feel it is their right to protect their homes do not seem to matter nowadays. This Government has not supported these people. Instead it has enlisted the forces of the Garda Síochána into the battle on behalf of a notorious multinational, Shell Oil.