Feargal Quinn (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I follow the words of Senator Mullins, who referred to Senator Zappone's balanced words that I heard on the radio the other day following what we had seen in Jobstown. The Senator was just one of those who brought a balance to the words and expressions made. If there is to be a change tomorrow in regard to Irish Water - I hope there will be - it will come about because of the strength of feeling of the large number of people who marched and expressed their concerns and upset over what was happening. It will not have come about because of the violent tactics used by a very small number of individuals.

Last week the Leader immediately responded and allowed me to introduce a Bill, which by tomorrow or Thursday I hope I will be able to withdraw again. Its purpose was to ensure that Irish Water would not obtain people's PPS numbers. Based on all the reports we now have, I believe Irish Water will not be given those numbers and on that basis, I hope tomorrow or Thursday I will be able to stand up and withdraw the Bill I had introduced last week. I am sure the Leader will respond to me in that way.

I have concern over another Bill - a Bill that was passed 480 days ago - the Construction Contracts Act. It was passed here and in the Dáil. It passed through a number of Minister's hands from the late Mr. Brian Lenihan Jr., to Mr. Brian Hayes, MEP, and others. Some 480 days ago it was signed by President Higgins but has not come into operation yet. It has been passed again to different Ministers to see how we can go about doing it. The Minister of State, Deputy Nash, was given responsibility for it last week. I urge the Leader to do something about this good legislation. The subcontractors were delighted with it and are crying out for it. The Government got considerable praise for allowing the Bill to pass - it does not always accept Bills from Independent Senators - yet nothing has happened since then. While there may be valid reasons for the delay I have not heard them. I hope the Minister of State, Deputy Nash, will now grab hold of the situation and bring the legislation into force right away.