Barry Cowen (Offaly, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Similar to Deputy Ó Broin, I also have queries relating to the effect any such amendment would have on rural water schemes, group water schemes and privately owned wells. The other issue relates to ongoing public private partnerships on the design, build and maintenance of schemes throughout the country. As of now, I think there are 115 schemes for approximately 230 sites throughout the country. What impact, if any, would it have on those? Would the State still be able to participate in those schemes?

What assurance can be given that the management and oversight of the Irish Water entity will not shift from the Oireachtas to the Judiciary? Is it wise to have the utility, as it is constituted, named in the Constitution?