Vincent P Martin (Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I have not heard anyone say they are opposed to modernisation once it has equity and fairness front and centre. I begin by commending the houseboat community for the solidarity and camaraderie they show, especially for those who do not have a voice and with some who are less fortunate than others. The good atmosphere they are displaying today and the near-record attendance both here and in the halls outside demonstrates a deep interest. Some, however, are also displaying to me an anxiety. Is there any dispensation, waiver or reduction for those who genuinely cannot pay or is it a one-size-fits-all blanket approach? I, as a public representative, met some of the houseboat community. Some will genuinely struggle while others will not, and they would say that. They should pay and they are willing to pay once they get bang for their buck. How much of it has been online? How much of Waterways Ireland has had the human dimension to meet people face to face to get the human story?

Will the witnesses elaborate on the 47 leisure boats at Hazelhatch? Where is their future if they cannot use that location? Is that carved in stone?

I would also like to hear more about the ring-fencing. It was said this revenue will be ring-fenced, but will Waterways Ireland take on board today that people want more than a proposal that it will be ring-fenced and that it will - excuse the pun - be pumped back in? Will Waterways Ireland guarantee that it will pump it back in tangibly and in a concrete way? It is not good enough to say to people to leave it alone and that everything will be all right on the night. They want concrete reassurances. Will Waterways Ireland reconsider and revisit that and come back with more specifics?

I thank Waterways Ireland for all the times it responded promptly and in a detailed way to my representations. On the day we have got the promising news in Northern Ireland, I commend Waterways Ireland on its expressed and explicit policy to align the island of Ireland. I hope there will be greater co-operation with the North-South bodies.

With regard to eircodes, some friendly postmen and postwomen are going beyond the call of duty, and that is typical as they are part of our local community. They are so much more than just a postal service because they keep an eye on people. We should not, however, be relying on their discretion and their generosity. Can we have some concrete reassurances that eircodes will be recognised and, as of right, people can have their letters delivered so they do not have to rely on the decency of the local postman or postwoman, although it is often forthcoming?