Irish Water and Palestine responses
The Leader confirms that households affected by Roscommon boil-water notices will not be charged, defends the Government’s water policy, accepts an amendment to the Order of Business and reiterates support for a two-state Middle East settlement and aid to Palestine.
The Senator is suffering from amnesia concerning Fianna Fáil's attitude to water charges. People would have been paying a €400 flat charge for the past two years-----
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-----if Fianna Fáil had managed to get into office, but, thankfully, that did not happen.
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I agree with Senator David Norris. If I was doing a crossword and had to come up with a five letter word for performance-related payments, it would be "bonus". I am agreeable to the Senator's amendment to the Order of Business, that No. 12 be taken before No. 1.
Senator Averil Power mentioned the plight of the Palestinian people. As I said yesterday, the Government recently pledged an additional €2.5 million for the rebuilding of Palestine. It has been the policy of successive Governments that there be a two-state solution in the Middle East where Palestine and Israel are concerned.
I will find out for Senator John Gilroy the status of the national monuments Bill and revert to him on the issue.
Senator Labhrás Ó Murchú spoke about tourism matters, especially the plight of the bed and breakfast accommodation sector and the need to reinvigorate it. The Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Deputy Paschal Donohoe, will be in the House on 26 November for a debate on tourism when the Senator will have an opportunity to raise the relevant points with him.
Senator Paul Bradford referred the Ombudsman's report, Lost at Sea. I agree totally with the sentiments expressed by the Senator. We will have a debate on fisheries on 12 November with the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Deputy Simon Coveney. That will be an opportune time to raise the matter with him.