John Whelan (Labour) | Oireachtas source

I support my colleagues, Senators Kelly, Noone and Barrett, so the Seanad robustly rejects and resents any interference or attempt to silence democratic representation. It is our job to interfere, to engage and to represent the community and public interest. We will not be told by officials in Cork County Council that we cannot make robust representations on planning issues, particularly the planning of wind farms and giant and industrial turbines. We would be negligent if we did not do so.

It is outrageous in the extreme that the tobacco industry has threatened the Government that if it does not back off on plain packaging, it will take the country to the High Court. How dare it do so.