Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I value it as well but there are issues with the triple lock and we can tease them through. We have a difference of opinion and that is okay but it is entirely possible to bring forward legislation that respects our military neutrality and addresses the changing geopolitical situation around the triple lock, the UN Security Council and the fact that there are people and countries on the Council that should not have a veto regarding our peacekeeping missions. That is a legitimate debate to have in this House.

As for Deputy Barry's question, we have a regular exchange on the water quality in Cork. I do not say that to be flippant because I know how serious it is to the people that he raises the issue. We discussed last week the issue regarding the task force. I have asked for an update on this, considering the Deputy has been raising it, and I will keep in touch with him. It is not acceptable that people are accessing dirty or discoloured water. It is not acceptable and I hope the work of Uisce Éireann begins to make progress in this regard. I hope, by the way, that the issue relating to the water quality can be addressed without any constitutional reform. Public ownership is a core principle governing the development of our water services. We have given a commitment to holding a referendum on ownership of water services. The establishment of Uisce Éireann in public ownership is already firmly secured under the Water Services (Amendment) Act 2022 and the Minister, Deputy O'Brien, has committed to bringing forward a referendum proposal on public ownership of water services for consideration by the Government. In that way, it is intended that definitive proposals, including next steps and timelines, will be considered by the Government in due course.

Regarding Deputy Boyd Barrett and his amendment and proposal on the Planning and Development Bill, obviously that can, and will continue to be, considered in the normal legislative way. However, both he and Deputy Murphy have made a point on the need for a referendum on housing. The Government has not yet considered a firm proposal in respect of this. In line with commitments in both the programme for Government and Housing for All, the Housing Commission was established in December 2021. The Housing Commission submitted its report and recommendations regarding a proposed constitutional amendment to the Minister last August. That is factually correct. There was a majority and a minority report. The Minister, Deputy O'Brien, is currently considering the commission's comprehensive analysis and report regarding a proposed constitutional amendment, together with next steps, and expects to bring these to Government in due course.

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