Gerard Craughwell (Independent) | Oireachtas source

The Leader is probably shaking in his boots this morning at the likelihood I would request an amendment to the Order of Business. I wish to withdraw my intention to seek an amendment. I thank Senator Hayden who approached me yesterday and advised me of a report on private rental property that is soon to come out. Senator Hayden has the same concerns as me so I am very happy to withdraw that.

With respect to the European Central Bank and the banking inquiry, I can only liken the ECB to the Vikings who came here, pillaged all we had and then left us to clean up the mess. How dare they turn around and say they will not come here and answer questions, having put this tiny little country to the pin of its collar to save the euro? If they will not answer questions, then we should not pay our loans or anything we owe them.

With respect to the Water Services Bill, I remind the Leader that I indicated yesterday that if the Bill comes to the House tomorrow with a view to having it finished before Christmas, I will propose an amendment the Order of Business and I believe there are others here who will support that. It is wrong to try and rush this serious legislation through. I do not care what impact it has. The Government can decide at the stroke of a pen to delay this at any stage. It is wrong in every way to try and rush this through either House. I am putting the Leader on notice that I will propose an amendment to the Order of Business tomorrow. This is a chance for the independent Senators to show that the Seanad is independent. It may be time to teach our Ministers that they should have a bit of respect for the Members of this House.