Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I support Deputy Cowen in respect of what he said on this matter. Let us consider the position of unprofitable group water schemes. Only two people are required in order for a group water scheme to be established. In such circumstances, a person could be a member of a group water scheme which would not be remotely financially attractive in the context of a takeover. Unless a mechanism is put in place to oblige it to take particular schemes in charge, the new authority will engage in cherry-picking. It will only take on group water schemes which have 60, 70 or 80 members. Those with three, four or six members that are located in awkward or inaccessible locations will be abandoned. If the authority does decide to take such schemes in charge, it will impose a financial cost on those involved.

The Minister of State indicated that the necessary mechanisms are not in place. However, he has ministerial responsibility in this area and now is the time to copper-fasten the position by putting in place a mechanism by means of which the new authority could be obliged to take schemes with two or three members in charge in the same way as it will be happy to take in charge those with 103 members.