Mary Ann O'Brien (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I would like to quote the Minister, Deputy Coveney, on 2050. He stated:

The global population is forecasted to grow by 2 billion people by 2050 resulting in substantial increased demand for food, while at the same time there will be ever increasing pressure on natural resources such as water and biodiversity. Ireland is fully committed to playing its part in addressing these global challenges whether it be through enhanced production of sustainable and healthy food products.

New Zealand had not privatised its water. As Senators will know, the milk quota is about to be lifted. New Zealand is turning €3.7 billion in its dairy produce. If we look back over the past 30 years, did we imagine at Christmas we could pick up an iPhone and Skype someone in Australia? Did those of us with modern homes imagine that we could pick up an iPhone and control the central heating? Can Senators imagine what it will be like in 2050?
In response to Senator Ó Domhnaill, we are all saying it is a precious natural resource. I am not just talking about us drinking it and bathing in it today. We will be centred in the world. We are so fortunate to have the perfect temperate climate. We will be the target for the oligarchs of Russia and will be the targets of the Chinese to privatise it and the Minister, Deputy Kelly, will not be here to defend us. I would love if he were but he will not be. He has a chance to go back to the Government to revisit the option of a constitutional referendum, which is the only way that we can be absolutely 100% certain.
To go back to the cartoons and movies, the Wizard of Oz has gone to Brussels. The rainbow has a crock of gold at the end of it, but it will end up with the Chinese or Russians unless the Minister gives us a referendum.