Seanad debates

Friday, 19 December 2014

Water Services Bill 2014: Committee Stage

 

1:20 pm

Photo of John GilroyJohn Gilroy (Labour) | Oireachtas source

It is a thing to be praised, not criticised, and I apologise if I misinterpreted what the Senator said. Here in this House some time ago we voted in favour of holding a referendum. I voted in favour. I thought it was a good idea at the time. We discussed this matter long and hard in the Labour Party and with the Minister and his officials. Having explored the possibility of holding a referendum, it turns out that it is not the simple thing I, for one, thought it to be at the time. There are many unintended consequences, as the Minister said. For instance, there is the question of pipes going through private land or privately owned treatment plants or water pumps, which leads to a discussion on the rights of private property, which in this country are held very dear. If it was agreed to have a referendum and that referendum was not passed - it may be an outrageous suggestion, but who would have thought a year ago that the Seanad would not be abolished? Everyone was of the opinion-----

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.