Seanad debates

Tuesday, 4 November 2014

3:25 pm

Photo of Thomas ByrneThomas Byrne (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

While welcoming the great Meath hero, Seán Boylan, and his wife to the Visitors Gallery, I am saddened to inform the House of the death today of another great Meath man, former Senator Jack Fitzsimons. He will be remembered by people in this House and throughout the country as a person who was highly influential in many spheres of life.

I agree with Senator David Cullinane's call for a longer debate on the issue of water supply and water charges. In this regard, I welcome the motion put forward by my colleague, Senator Darragh O'Brien, and signed by all Fianna Fáil Senators calling for a referendum on the privatisation of Irish Water. I understand the Taoiseach ruled out such a referendum in an interview at the Web Summit earlier today. That is a dangerous move to make. What we are being told will happen - I am sure it has not been thought through properly - is that some type of legislation will be introduced providing that Irish Water may only be sold where a two thirds majority of the Oireachtas supports such a sale. Unfortunately, any legislation can be amended in subsequent years by a simple majority of the Oireachtas.

I am setting out my stall today that I will not accept any such legislative proposal. It is only a half measure and a sticking plaster. Any such provision would have no effect whatsoever. We simply must have a referendum. As I understand it, however, we in this House cannot initiate legislation to hold a referendum.

The Seanad must make its voice heard with a motion which will be tabled tomorrow which will call for the Dáil to initiate that legislation. When that legislation for a referendum comes before the Seanad, we must support it and say to the people this will be tied down. Any legislation that purports to say that a two thirds majority in the future will be needed to reverse the decision is complete and utter nonsense and will have no effect. We want a referendum. There are so many other issues associated with Irish Water which must be addressed. I was shocked to be reminded on "Prime Time" last night that a former Fine Gael PR officer is the lobbyist, the public affairs person, for Irish Water. He is leaving his position because his contract is ending now. The public is sick of so much of what is associated with Irish Water.

I was proud to stand with the people in Duleek and Kells on Saturday and to listen to what they were saying. They are not happy with any of the political parties but we have to listen to them and hear what they say. The legislation should be brought back to the House and we should try to make changes to it.

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