Darragh O'Brien (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I am not sure whether Senator Eamon Coghlan has proposed a Bill in the four years in which he has been here but he is allowed to respond to what has been raised. The reality is that we have an opportunity this evening to do something positive and to show a way forward as to how this can be done. Unfortunately, the Government sees fit not to do that and not to accept the proposals. This is democracy and life.

I listened to Senator Bacik speak earlier about all the plans the city council has and the great work it is doing with regard to the traders on Moore Street. Talk to the traders and the representatives who are here this evening. Go to Moore Street and ask them what is happening there. Ask them why there are only 26 traders left in Moore Street. Ask them about the great work the city council is doing when it will not even provide a public toilet and proper running water for them.

This area has huge potential. I apologise if any of my earlier remarks hit a raw nerve. I was simply stating a fact . People watching this debate and those who are here this evening will realise that three Government Members contributed, two from Fine Gael and one from the Labour Party. That is a fact but if one does not like it I am sorry about that.I, like all of us here, value our heritage and history. We have an opportunity to do something about it but the Government, its officials and official Ireland have decided that this is not to be allowed happen. The Minister of State, Deputy Ó Ríordáin, can shake his head all he likes-----