Colm Burke (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome yesterday's announcements about Irish Water and wish to make a few comments on what was said here this morning and take exception to Senator Cullinane's allegation that the Government is toxic. We have created more than 70,000 jobs since we came to power and are creating around 1,200 new jobs per week. We have brought stability to this country. We are also making sure we have a sufficient amount of tax coming in to pay for social welfare and all the services that are provided in this country. Therefore, the Senator's comments were outrageous and do not stand up to scrutiny.

Sinn Féin wants to get power but does not want to make decisions. That was clearly evident at the Cork City Council's meeting held last Monday night when Sinn Féin could not vote for its budget. Sinn Féin did not vote for the budget yet wants to be in office. It cannot have it both way. If Sinn Féin wants power then it must be prepared to make decisions.

I wish to respond to a colleague in Opposition who mentioned meters. I pay a commercial rate of €7,000 per annum for 1,500 sq. ft. in office space and I am sick and tired of listening to people who want services but do not wish to pay for them. I pay for water charges for my commercial office as well. Yes, meters were put in which led to huge savings for people in the commercial sector. People also became far more careful about the way they used water and made sure there was no wastage. That is what the metering system is about - making sure we can identify where problems lie. One of the examples of usage given to us was that 22 houses use 1 million litres of water due to leaks. Perhaps the Leader might be able to explain the matter a bit more. Metering is about making sure we get value for money.

I wish to raise another issue. It is very sad that an hotel in Cork had to cancel an event to be held tonight due to security risks posed to the Taoiseach who was due to attend. It is outrageous to have reached the stage that there are risks to security simply because a political meeting is being held. I have no difficulty with people holding a peaceful protest outside a meeting. However, the level of abuse and threats made to people has been outrageous. It has reached the dangerous stage where a commercial enterprise chose to cancel an event and move it to another centre. I welcome anyone who wants to organise a peaceful protect but ask them to at least respect others and allow people to attend a political party meeting without being abused and suffering verbal abuse. What has happened over the past two to three weeks is outrageous.