Caít Keane (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Department, led by the Minister and the Minister of State, are seeking to ensure that the cost incurred will deliver the benefits, ensuring the energy regulator has the wherewithal, the staff and the expertise to ensure that when services are costed properly, and that people will be responsible for any actions they may take.

Establishing Irish Water through Bord Gáis has yielded savings of about €90 million in establishment costs. I welcome the fact that the debate took place last week, and periodical disclosure of this kind should be the norm, as it is statutory. The officials must also appear before committees and I welcome that. We must focus on what we can do with this new body. Some 40% of the current water supply is leaking. There is also the very important matter of the creation of jobs.

We have 80 waste water treatment plants at the moment that are non-compliant. Harvesting rain technology is not off the agenda. We are one of only three countries in Europe that has that option and I want the Minister of State to keep it in mind. Irish Water must ensure that it is charged with responsibility for looking at that as well. With respect to the Chair, I will conclude on that point.