Ms Maria Graham:

When we set out on the implementation plan, we had a public consultation process, the first on the issue, and questions and concerns about privatisation were raised on that occasion. We have tried to address the questions in legislation because we have concerns about the practicalities of including it in the Constitution. Underlying all of this have been our desire and policy objective that Irish Water be a public water utility. I can only reiterate what the Minister has said to the Dáil. If the Bill progresses, whatever the wording of the amendment may be, it will progress as normal.