Gerard Craughwell (Independent) | Oireachtas source

Senator Martin probably made the best contribution today, so far, apart from my colleague, Senator Boyhan. I do not know what it is about the current state of Government that it seems almost paralysed by the legislation it brings before this House. I am not speaking about the Minister personally, but the Government has rammed through legislation using the guillotine procedure. It has a massive majority in this House and the Lower House. It takes no cognisance whatsoever of anything any Member of the Opposition has to say at any time. As Senator Martin said a few minutes ago, there is nothing wrong with listening to the Opposition. There is nothing wrong with taking on board some decent amendments.

This amendment seeks to protect the people at the bottom of the political spectrum, the county councillors who will be out on the hustings for Government party Members in two or three years' time, canvassing for them. They are the people who will work hard for the Minister's party. He is stripping them of power and he is doing it for cynical reasons. I have known the Minister since I came into this House. I have always held him personally in the highest of esteem. I have always regarded him as a really good politician, but this is not good.

Senator Martin is slightly wrong insofar as he said that he has to vote for the legislation because he is part of Government. He does not. He can vote for and support this amendment. The only result will be that the Bill will be delayed for a short while when it goes back to the Dáil. That is all that will happen, at the end of the day. It is just wrong, in every way, to be stripping away powers from local government. I have seen it happen in every organisation, not just local government. We have seen it happen with education and training boards over the years.

I am so frustrated that what will happen here today. Those who genuinely believe that this is a good amendment will vote it down because they are subject to a party whip. It belies the value of the Seanad and what we are here for. As Senator Boyhan said eloquently, we are here to polish up legislation and improve it. Why is the Minister so afraid to accept this amendment? It is a simple little amendment. It should be taken on board.