Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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There is a commitment in the programme for Government that arises from the memorandum of understanding between the previous Government and the troika. We are establishing Irish Water as a separate, independent, State-owned public water utility. We believe this will be more authoritative and definitive in terms of structures, meeting the different challenges and having clearly defined roles. The Sinn Féin proposed framework team would not have the capacity or competence to sort out specific issues.

Local authorities and their members communicating their views to Irish Water will be very important. In the next phase of legislation, we hope to establish opportunities for such communication channels.