Paul Bradford (Independent) | Oireachtas source

Senators Zappone, MacSharry and Cullinane have made some interesting observations on the water debate. The Seanad must do its business, irrespective of what Ministers tell us we should do. We cannot and will not be browbeaten into taking any particular decision. Over 12 months ago the Irish people decided to keep Seanad Éireann, not to have a second axis of Government but to have an independent Chamber for democratic debate and decision-making. Let us act on that and not be browbeaten into taking any particular decisions. I look forward to a substantive debate on substantive amendments to the Water Services Bill 2014 and hope we have the time and space for that.

While I appreciate that this week’s schedule appears rather full, if it is possible and if the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Deputy Charlie Flanagan, is available for one hour it would be helpful to have a briefing from him and a short debate on the political developments, or lack of development in Northern Ireland. Last week the all-party and governmental talks did not succeed as we would have wished. It would be helpful to hear from the Minister and make our own views known and make our contributions. The political developments in Northern Ireland and the discussion surrounding them should not be confined to a few political parties in Northern Ireland. They are of interest to every political party on this island and every politician in this House. I am sure the Minister’s diary for the week is busy but if he was available for one hour between now and Friday afternoon we could have a very useful and constructive debate on the Northern Ireland peace process.