David Norris (Independent) | Oireachtas source

On Brexit, I am increasingly tired of listening to people like Mr. Jacob Rees-Mogg, MP, talk about the 17 million people who voted to leave. What about the 16.3 million who voted to remain? Have they no rights whatsoever? I also point out that the United Kingdom has a population of 67 million; therefore, the figure of 17 million is not as impressive as it sounds. Furthermore, it is being said it would be undemocratic to have a second referendum. Those who say it do not seem to have any problem whatsoever with Prime Minister May putting her ratbag of notions about the European Union to a vote for the fourth time within a couple of weeks. There is, apparently, nothing undemocratic about it, but having a second referendum to take the temperature of the people is undemocratic.

Moreover, I agree with Senator Ardagh about cuckoo funds and certainly think we should take action. I am delighted that Germany is doing so. It is outrageous that foreign investment companies come here to buy up enormous blocks and prevent young people from getting a foot on the property ladder. I also strongly support the No Consent, No Sale Bill 2019 brought forward by Sinn Féin. It is excellent and, of course, it should be done. Foreign vulture funds come here to buy up enormous numbers of debts from the banks that were saved by the ordinary people of Ireland after their disgraceful behaviour, in which they are still engaged. We are now allowing the people to be treated like slaves. Their homes are being sold over their heads. This, ladies and gentlemen, is the wonderful Irish Republic, by which we stand and in which we see these things happening without much by the way of protest.