Bernard Allen (Cork North Central, Fine Gael)

I agree with the Minister that the Bill is a comprehensive package of reforms dealing with water services. It modernises a significant amount of legislation dating back through the centuries, some of which bears little relevance to the present. The key objective in any water services Bill is that the highest possible standards are achieved to ensure compliance with European Union guidelines and that these standards are complied with at all times.

The Minister — perhaps he protests too much — has denied that the Bill is a vehicle for privatisation of our water services or paves the way for the introduction of water charges. However, I am concerned that the Bill may be used as a Trojan horse to introduce water charges, maybe not before the next general election but, if this Government by any chance were successful in that election, we could see the introduction of water charges shortly afterwards.

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