Danny Healy-Rae urges sunset clause, backs amendment but opposes bill
Danny Healy-Rae spoke in support of an amendment to protect working people and rural constituents but said he could not support the remainder of the bill in its current form. He backed the pandemic-related measures but warned the wider legislation was rushed and urged the insertion of a sunset clause.
Main position
He supported the amendment aimed at protecting working people, those facing court action and people threatened with eviction by vulture funds. He argued it would be remiss not to defend farmers, landowners, developers and workers whose land, buildings or jobs could be at stake.
Concerns for rural constituents
He emphasised his role as an elected representative for Kerry and for rural people, highlighting the potential impact on farmers whose land may be taken and on owners of factory buildings where jobs could be endangered.
Critique of legislative process
He criticised the speed and composition of the bill, saying it appeared rushed together by Fine Gael, Fianna Fáil and the Greens and warning that 'too many cooks spoil the blood'. He said the broader measures deserved full legislative scrutiny rather than being pushed through.
Demand for a sunset clause
He appealed to the minister to insert a sunset clause or an end date for the measures, arguing that without such a limit the provisions could become 'a recipe for disaster'.
Warnings about consequences
He warned against giving vulture funds a whip hand in court, saying that could lead to evictions and unjust loss of property and jobs. He predicted those who rushed the legislation would be blamed when its flaws became clear.
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I too want to support this amendment. As an elected representative for Kerry and for rural people, it would be very remiss to me if I didn't support this amendment and support only working people, people in trouble with their houses and before courts and vulture funds trying to evict them. It would be very remiss to me to neglect a farmer whose land may be being taken off of him. It would be very remiss to me of any developer or landowner that his lands would be taken off of him or his buildings, factory buildings or something and maybe jobs at stake as well. And to give the vulture funds and these people a whip hand in a court scenario. It's very wrong and while I support the pandemic aspects of the case minister, I'm not supporting the rest of the bill because all those other things should receive the ultimate legislative scrutiny. And minister, we all know the story that too many cooks spoil the blood. And what I can see is happening here. This is rushed together by Fine Gael, Fianna Fáil and the Greens. And torn be them that will be blamed in the fullness of time when this will be made known as wrong legislation. It will be you minister. And an hour ago or so, I wish to well in a new post. But I'm appealing to you to see the light of day here and to surely insert a sunset clause or an end of date, a due date on it. And because if not, it's a recipe for disaster. It's unfair the way it is being rushed through here tonight. Maybe you're new in the job, but you will be remembered to call two more speakers. That's fine, chairman. Thank you very much. Thank you very much. Thank you very much.
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