Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Senator Coghlan will hear him now. Senator MacSharry called for a debate on the health service and he proposed an amendment to the Order of Business. He spoke about the statement made on Beaumont Hospital on 8 September. We had a very comprehensive general debate on health with the Minister, Deputy Varadkar, on 4 November in which 15 Members took part. I am sure all the points Senator MacSharry raised today were raised with the Minister at that time and I see no point in having an amendment to the Order of Business to bring the Minister in to discuss the same subject again only a couple of weeks later.

A number of speakers raised the Water Services Bill. I assure the House that I will not be browbeaten, as has been suggested, by a Minister or anyone else. We will run this House in a proper businesslike manner, as we usually do. I have not been browbeaten by any Minister on the issue.

Senator Cullinane mentioned blackmail when he was present. Independents will decide what way they wish to vote on the Bill. I suggest they will not be bullied by anybody. They will not be bullied by the comments this morning of Fianna Fáil and Sinn Féin. I have the utmost confidence that Members will make a decision based on the Bill before them and its contents. Many people are trying to exert pressure on Independent Members in particular in regard to the Bill but people will make up their own minds.

Senator Bacik expressed sympathy to the relatives bereaved in the siege in Sydney. Senator Mullins expressed sympathy to the families of children killed in a school in Pakistan. I am sure we would all like to express our sympathy in that regard. Senator Bacik also sought information on the dates of the various referenda. I am sure we will have them very soon and we will provide the information to the House at the time.

Senator Bacik also called for a debate on the low pay commission report, when it is complete. Senator Quinn, on the same subject, raised the link between the minimum wage and unemployment, etc. That will form part of the debate on the low pay commission report.

Senator Zappone raised the issue of the Water Services Bill 2014. The previous Bill on the matter was not rushed in this House. We spent 16 or more hours debating it and I can assure the Senator it will not be rushed this time in the House. Ample time will be provided.