Malcolm Noonan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

Section 16 provides that Uisce Éireann, also to be known as Irish Water, will be accountable to the Committee of Public Accounts. The heightened levels of accountability and transparency applying to Uisce Éireann are commensurate with the level of Exchequer funding of the company. This policy change has a consequential impact on another statutory body tasked with an oversight role with respect to Uisce Éireann, namely, the Water Advisory Body. There will be a duplication between the Committee of Public Accounts and the Water Advisory Body as both consider transparency and accountability matters relating to Uisce Éireann. The Minister, Deputy Darragh O'Brien, considers that it is in the best interests of the Oireachtas and Uisce Éireann that there is a clear line of accountability for Uisce Éireann, and that the Committee of Public Accounts is the appropriate body that should be solely tasked with this role. This sole accountability role for the Committee of Public Accounts will obviate the need for the Water Advisory Body. The Minister, Deputy O'Brien, is giving urgent consideration to the accountability arrangements in light of the role of the Committee of Public Accounts and will consult further with Government colleagues on this matter. Any amendment necessary would be relevant to the provision, scope and principles of the Bill. The Minister considers that any change to the Water Advisory Body will not diminish the individual statutory roles of the three bodies currently represented on the Water Advisory Body, namely, the Environmental Protection Agency, the Commission for Regulation of Utilities and An Fóram Uisce. Any decision would not change their individual relationship with the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Housing, Local Government and Heritage. The Minister acknowledges that it is open to the joint committee to request all three bodies and Uisce Éireann to appear before it on matters relating to Uisce Éireann.