Barry Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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Not at all. I thank Mr. McGowan for his statement and what was contained in it. Despite the fact that many of his views and contentions are well meant, I do not think they can be fully substantiated until such time as they are challenged by virtue of a submission by Irish Water and by others, including political parties and various organisations throughout the State which will have much to say about that.

Having listened to Mr. McGowan's statement, I was struck when he said it was understood that Irish Water does not necessarily agree with the free allowance calculation of 38,000 litres per child. In recent months, we were led to believe that was clear but it is now not the case.

Mr. McGowan also mentioned the first-fix policy, which we were led to believe was clear and concise when the Government spoke about it in months past. However, when they were questioned about the 5% of housing throughout the country with lead pipes - and the costs associated with rectification works - we were informed that it may not be what it says on the tin. They are just two examples that jump out at me. It makes me wonder how Mr. McGowan will react to Irish Water's contentions in these areas.

The bigger question in the public mind is the commissioner's response to a request, in 2012, by Bord Gáis for a 7.5% recommended price increase. Mr. McGowan granted them an 8.5% increase, so how can the public be sure that he is on the consumers' side and will not be subsumed by this monopoly which is Irish Water? Will he have consumers' best interests at heart? That is the overriding question at the back of many people's minds.

The situation is exacerbated, and members of the public are becoming more worried and nervous, because Irish Water had guaranteed a submission to the commissioner in weeks past and prior to our meeting today. Yet here we are again without such a submission, which is the substance of what we wanted to discuss. Notwithstanding Mr. McGowan's views and contentions regarding the legislation and his role, his interpretation of that submission is something we need to know. We will not get that information today, however. I am glad that Mr. McGowan has agreed to return to the joint committee when he is in receipt of that submission. It is only then that many of us, and many organisations, will be able to make more meaningful submissions themselves.

I have a few brief questions to ask. We will all get to speak but the order if which that will take place is - Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael, Sinn Féin, Labour or Fine Gael, and the Technical Group. That is what was agreed by the committee, is that not right?