Barry Cowen (Offaly, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

It is a pity we do not have the Attorney General's opinion. It is strange because she was exercised by the water committee's recommendations before it had come to a conclusion, yet she is not in a position to comment on this Bill, which Deputy Collins brought before the Dáil many months ago. It is incumbent on the Minister to ensure this is not delayed much further and to ensure adequate scrutiny because he cannot contribute to the scrutiny of the Bill without advice from the Attorney General. This meeting, therefore, does not serve much purpose. I take on board his recommendation regarding other stakeholders such as the representative bodies for group water schemes and so forth contributing to this process. It would be fair and appropriate to give them that opportunity and I would welcome that.