Seanad debates

Friday, 19 December 2014

Water Services Bill 2014: Committee Stage

 

5:40 pm

Photo of David NorrisDavid Norris (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I believe the Minister's political antenna have let him down a little. He was not aware that two Members of this House are in favour, to some extent, of privatisation and thought everybody was in favour of the forum. I am not a bit in favour of it and believe it is a waste of time. It is a talking shop - a load of hoo-ha.

I have a bit of news for the Minister; the Constitutional Convention is over. It is kaput. This caring, listening Government did not pay a blind bit of odds to something that went through with 98% support in the convention, the opening up of the Presidency to the will of the people and to nomination, in some form, by the people. I was accused by a Government spokesman of having a personal interest in that, but I have no intention of going next nor nigh the Presidency again. I am far too bloody old for a start. It is up to younger people to do that job.

I have an issue with regard to the use of the word "customer". Customers are usually voluntary. We have not volunteered for this. We did not all rush up to Irish Water and say, "Please, take us on as customers". We were involuntarily enlisted into this damnable entity. The Minister has said he will reflect on the issues and consider them. I am sure he will look at them, but he will do damn all. He cannot do anything. I know the Minister's hands are tied, but they are pretty firmly tied if he cannot even take a proposal to allow the forum to "consider" an appeal. Hello, is there anybody out there? That is not extravagant and should not stretch the political muscles too far. I am not taken in by this charade at all. In fact, I am considering going home quite soon.

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