John Whelan (Labour) | Oireachtas source

There were far worse consequences.
I echo the sentiments voiced by Senators Bacik, Mooney and Barrett regarding the House's debate yesterday on Irish Water. I commend the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Deputy Kelly, on the good grace, dignity, poise and humility he displayed. He put his hands up and acknowledged that unacceptable mistakes had been made in the establishment and conduct of Irish Water. The House marked itself out on what was an historic day. Yesterday showed that we could think for ourselves and were not just the Government's puppets, but it did not necessarily reflect a split on the Government side of the House. I am certain that my Fine Gael colleagues are every bit as committed to retaining Irish Water in public ownership as we in the Labour Party and others are. However, there is a difference of opinion as to how best to achieve that. I am not a legal expert, but some argue that public ownership should be enshrined in the Constitution. I agree with Mr. Jack O'Connor of SIPTU and others in that regard. Elsewhere, people argue that such a measure could lead to unacceptable, unfortunate and "unforeseen" consequences. I would argue that there could be terrible unforeseen consequences of not doing so.
Will the Leader reconvene the debate at the earliest juncture so that we might have a proper and full discourse? Some 20 Senators had indicated their wish to speak, but most were denied that opportunity due to a blatant abuse of privilege and the blackguarding by one particular Member of the Cathaoirleach and Leas-Chathaoirleach. That is not acceptable.