Gerard Craughwell (Independent) | Oireachtas source

We see Members of this House make representations regularly on behalf of their constituents or those of Dáil geographic areas. I will make one for my constituency, which is also that of the Cathaoirleach and those in this House. No. 75, motions Nos. 7 and 10 under Private Members' business on the Clár deal specifically with the terms and conditions of employment for city and county councillors. We will all be out on the hustings in the next couple of weeks or months seeking the support of city and county councillors to re-elect us to this House and we cannot face them without at least doing them the courtesy of pursuing one of these motions. I suggest motion 10, tabled by the Government and with an amendment by myself and Senators Barrett, Quinn and Norris. It is the very least we can do, and if we are not going to do it, I ask the Leader to explain why. I have no fear of facing the country and standing up for the people I represent and who represent their localities. I have no fear whatsoever about fighting their corner for them. If we are not going to have the debate before the general election, I need to know why and I would like to be able to tell them why.