Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)

I thank Deputies for a very wide-ranging discussion covering such matters as likely outbreaks of cryptosporidium, public private partnerships and DBOs. We have also discussed the very fundamental point touched on by Deputy Michael Higgins, namely, the appropriate place to allow them. The last three contributions were particularly interesting, since they go to the very heart of the Bill. Deputy O'Dowd made a very thoughtful contribution in which he put his finger on the nub of the matter, anticipating points made by Deputies Catherine Murphy and Morgan. I will deal with them in the order in which they were presented.

While I always respect Deputy Michael Higgins's views, I fundamentally disagree with the proposal that we create another quango to deal with water and I will explain why. Deputies O'Dowd and Catherine Murphy illustrated the fallacy of that route. I found myself smiling while the latter was speaking, since I entered politics through my involvement with the residents' association in Greystones many years ago, which included a housing estate called Applewood Heights. A lady who has now moved on from the area was the secretary of the residents' association. She famously called her house "High and Dry" because she could not run the washing machine until 2 a.m. This is part of the debate that went on in the background to this Bill. I was asked why there was a delay. The reason I would respectfully disagree with Deputy Michael D. Higgins is that it is critically important that physical planning and development and the development and manning of the strategic planning for water are married. They are absolutely inextricable. Deputy Catherine Murphy is correct; it is wrong and there has been a mismatch. Unless one creates a solid legislative base and identifies the appropriate locations, I do not think one will get that.

With all due respect, I do not think establishing a quango, a national body similar to the HSE would either improve public accountability or improve the delivery of water services. I have put much thought into this matter. It is absolutely appropriate that the planning authorities which are responsible for drawing up the development plans should also have the power, duty and responsibility for drawing up the water plans for their areas. One should be a reflection of the other. To disconnect that would be fraught with difficulties. I understand all the benefits that would come from having a single body but they would be better if they were to come from having an oversight body. I make this point because it was dealt with in the contributions. The purpose of the legislation is to take all of the legislation, as Deputy Gilmore said, that dates back to the 19th century and to consolidate it, to give it a coherence and focus and to give a particular locus for responsibilities we do not have currently.

Like a butterfly, Deputy Cuffe floated into the House, made his contribution and then flitted back out. He made some references to the situation in Galway. I will deal with those because I wish to respond to each point that was made. I do not wish to get into a discussion about Galway in particular. The situation in Galway County Council and other local authorities well illustrates one of the difficulties we have in regard to water. The local councillors who are democratically elected to represent the people do not feel involved in this process. That is why in this legislation it is becoming a reserved function of the elected councillors. It is proposed that councillors will make the strategic water plan, in the same way as they make the strategic development plan — the physical plan. It is clear where the nexus comes together and where the responsibility lies at local level. It is right in a democracy that we should focus responsibility in an area where the public can pass its judgment. I say to Deputy Michael D. Higgins that it would be wrong to disconnect water provision from the system and to put responsibility for it into a quango. I respectfully differ from him on that point. We will just have to agree to differ.

An interesting point was made by Deputy Michael D. Higgins. He referred to afforestation and related matters. It is worth pointing out that there is a continuing moratorium on all tree felling in the pearl mussel areas.

See this speech in context