Gerard Craughwell (Independent) | Oireachtas source

As a public representative, I am entitled to get the answer, whether it is "Yes" or "No". I am obliged to do it. We are talking about safety. Already, in this country, four people lost their lives. The Department of Transport was damned to hell in the report relating to that accident in the context of its failure to have proper oversight. So was the IAA, but to a lesser degree because it was not sure of its responsibility in the area. We have to be realistic. We cannot ignore what has happened in the past. Those who do not remember the past are destined to relive it.

By God, if we were to allow this legislation go forward knowing in our heart of hearts that it was written by the very people who we are setting out to regulate, it would be wrong in every sense of the word. I will not be bullied or bamboozled into changing my position until I get an answer. I believe I am entitled to that. If I get that answer, I will run through this legislation as quickly as possible. However, I am not running through legislation that was written by those for whom we are trying to legislate. It would be wrong to do so. Do not tell me, in all your years of experience, that you would feel any different from me, Acting Chairperson.