Caít Keane (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Mr. Talbot for his presentation. Many of the same issues were raised in the previous one.

In his submission Mr. Talbot referred to the motor tax office and spoke about what a private company would have done. In defence of staff in the motor tax office, private companies can usually move staff around. If someone has a base in Lucan, he can switch the staff to the city centre by making a telephone call. This does not happen as much in the public sector, although it might be useful if it did. Private companies might receive more notice of an issue also. Staff in the office in Dublin city were not expecting the queue that materialised because the vehicles in question had been off the road. How were they to know it would be an issue? I would not always defend those in public offices but circumstances change. I agree, however, that flexibility is an issue that must be considered if we are to make progress. When I was involved with the local authority, I used to say that when a diktat came down from on high to the local office, the wherewithal should have come down with it.

I have noted what Mr. Talbot said about vacant premises, standardisation and having a step-down approach rather than a blanket 50% charge. It sounds like some people could bear more than others. He also mentioned tendering and that three companies could now put forward a combined tender. That is a change.

I am sure all businesses were affected recently by the water shortage and are concerned by the expense of treated water. I often mention the fact that only 1% of treated water is used for human consumption. There is an onus on businesses and everybody else to conserve water. Water harvesting would save businesses a fortune, particularly following the introduction of water rates. It would also provide a saving for local authorities and those who treat water because treating water is such an expensive business. If there was more co-operation in harvesting water, this would reduce the consumption of treated water and costs for both businesses and local authorities.