Joe O'Toole (Independent)

During the debate last night, we discovered a number of pieces of legislation that will need to be revisited. I ask the Leader to consider the need for a debate on directors' compliance statements. It is a simple requirement that directors of companies of a certain size, such as PLCs and other various listed companies, would be required to sign a statement of compliance each year stating that, as far as they are aware, they have traded fairly, have not acted recklessly, have conducted their businesses responsibly and are acting within the law. I believe — perhaps in my innocence — that would not place any greater onus on directors than has been the case heretofore.

Lough Ree — that great lake on the Leader's doorstep — is under threat from Dublin City Council which wants to take water from it. I know this is an issue close to the Leader's heart and I hope he will support me as he has done in the past. Some years ago Fianna Fáil, in Opposition, and I proposed the Shannon River Council Bill and it passed through Second Stage. I want the support of the Government side to reintroduce the Bill to protect the Shannon. I note that the Senator from Leitrim is anxious to support me on this issue.