Mr. Feargal Ó Coigligh:

On the Workplace Relations Commission, we all hope there will be a good outcome from that. We all need a stable framework. It is not easy and there are many different interests. There are a significant cohort of local authority workers involved. The local authorities are concerned about their finances. We need to make sure, therefore, the agreement works for everybody. We also know, following on from the topics discussed at this committee last week, that the current system does not provide the accountability and responsibility that is required of a service that provides drinking water. Getting an agreement is a significant challenge.

On public ownership, the Minister has indicated he is open to looking at that issue and it has been mentioned to Government. That will be considered as part of the overall framework in the context of Government priorities in regard to referenda and other Government business. That is still under discussion.