Trevor Ó Clochartaigh (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

These are substantial amendments to be brought forward at this stage. Sinn Féin is uncomfortable with some of the amendments brought forward today given the substantial discussion we had earlier in the week on these issues. It is difficult to have any confidence in this Bill given the haphazard manner in which it is being put together and because the issue of licences is being addressed only at this stage. In light of comments made by certain city and county managers in recent days, there are grave concerns about the implications of the transfer of licences to Irish Water and so on.

I appeal to the Minister of State to withdraw this Bill. We need more time to consider it and to discuss the implications of this provision with the City and County Managers Association. This legislation is being rushed through without proper scrutiny, which is not a good way to enact legislation. Grave mistakes could be being made. With respect to the Minister of State, it is difficult to have confidence in this Bill. Sinn Féin will be voting against these amendments. In light of the fact that we only had sight of these amendments over an hour ago, it is difficult to know what it is the Minister of State is asking us to sign up to and what will be the implications of them under certain other enactments.