Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)

I move amendment No. 36:

In page 115, line 37, to delete "section 36(10)" and substitute "section 36(18)".

This is a technical drafting amendment to correct a cross-referencing error. Section 36 was significantly and very positively redrafted on Committee Stage to stipulate that the making of strategic water services plans should be a reserved function rather than an executive function. We all agreed with this measure, which was to return the control of water services to where it belongs.

There were a couple of consequential drafting amendments and this amendment is one of them. This area is one in which we have all done good work because the local authority members who are elected and answerable to the people are now becoming responsible for the preparation of the plans. This will allow councillors to be more closely involved in water control in their local authority areas. In areas other than Galway in recent weeks, councillors told me they did not know what was happening in respect of water services. This will no longer be the case.

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