David Cullinane (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I advise colleagues on the other side of the House to settle down and listen for a change. They have come in here with their scripted speeches attacking Sinn Féin and Fianna Fáil because they cannot stand over their own policies.

As I said, this could be a good day for the Seanad. I appeal to all Independent Senators to act independently and stand by the people who are being asked to pay twice for an essential service. The Government tells us that water charges have been capped until 2018. However, if Fine Gael is returned to government after the next election, it can simply bring forward amending legislation to increase the charges. People know that. They will not be fooled and conned again by the Labour Party and Fine Gael. Those days are gone and Members opposite should get used to it. The days of the Labour Party are numbered because it has betrayed the people who voted for it. The Minister can shake his head all he likes, but that is only further evidence of the arrogance of this Government.