John Gilroy (Labour) | Oireachtas source

If the Minister cannot find a way to accept the amendments tabled by the Opposition, maybe we need to take a look at how the amendments are constructed. Maybe there could be constructive amendments that would increase the intention of the Government in certain areas and give added strength to the legislation instead of opposing it.

I know the role of the Opposition is to oppose and we accept that, but under section 7 the Opposition has introduced some very good ideas and the Minister has acknowledged that. The fact he did not accept any amendment is not really the fault of the Minister, it is because the legislation is constructed in such a way as to give intention to the Government's view of how Irish Water should be established. That is all I am saying. I am acknowledging the positive contribution of the Opposition and I am also acknowledging the flexibility of the Minister in going as far as he has in trying to accommodate the concerns and fears which everybody in this House has already acknowledged.

Now that we are talking about the exceptions, Senator O'Brien throws his eyes up to heaven and denies what his own spokespeople have been saying since 12 p.m. today.