Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

As I understand it, group schemes work very closely with the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government - through the national group water schemes - on all issues. The relationship in this regard is very successful. The question of water quality is separate. If water is not up to standard, then it is not fit for human consumption. Issues arise with regard to the pollution of water sources, cryptosporidium and the use of infra-red barriers. Obviously, health issues must come first. That is the case regardless of who provides the water. Local authority provision of water nationally is as good as anywhere in the world.