Rónán Mullen (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I wish to put on record my concern that we have reached Report Stage yet the Dáil is in recess which is not the first time that this happened in these Houses. To follow on from what Senator Walsh asked the Minister, it illustrates a most profound lack of respect for the parliamentary process but I am not surprised. Obviously there is a profound lack of respect for life in the legislation. On something as serious as this we would be ag feadaíl in aghaidh na gaoithe as we table amendments that we know the Minister does not intend to think about, much less accept and that is not to the credit of the Minister or the Government.

I also wish to express my support for Senator Walsh though he speaks in a very different style to the one that I choose. Ultimately, it is the parliamentarians who stand their ground, not those who run away when it comes to issues of principle, who will be remembered, and with appreciation. On this occasion Senator Walsh deserves credit for insisting that this is a Parliament and not children's television. It is a Parliament, a place where sometimes hard things must be said.