Marcella Corcoran Kennedy (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Mr. Tierney and his team. He has explained many of the issues of concern held by the public. We wish to ensure value for money is being obtained. While I disagree with some of the previous speakers I am cognisant of the fact that we need Irish Water. We have needed such a body for a considerable time given the amount of taxpayers’ money that is wasted in treating water and the fact that 40% of it leaks back into the ground. Irish Water will also be responsible for wastewater. Other speakers have referred to the significant problem we have with contamination. It is an enormous challenge and must be addressed as quickly as possible. Has Mr. Tierney made any calculations of the fines that will be imposed on this country for having poor quality water or water contaminated by effluent or other undesirable matter?

My other question relates to the fact that Irish Water will, in effect, be a monopoly in its management of water and wastewater. Has Mr. Tierney put systems in place to ensure the consumer gets value for money and what are they? Could he also ensure that the money entrusted to him through the taxpayer will provide value for money?

Reference has been made to the fact that Mr. Tierney met with the Commission for Energy Regulation, CER. How often have Bord Gáis and Irish Water met with the CER to date and how often does Mr. Tierney expect to deal with the CER in the future?

Reference has been made to a matter previously but I wish to get further clarification. What amount of funding has been saved by the use of Bord Gáis’s own systems and processes? I would very much appreciate if Mr. Tierney could provide a figure for the total sum involved.

I understand a 12-year service level agreement has been obtained with local authorities.