Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)

Everyone was surprised at the extent of the water shortages during the winter crisis, although leaks go with the territory given the weather we experienced. Ireland does not appear to be as well prepared for the type of weather we experienced this winter as other European countries. What lessons have we learned about water conservation and leaks? Has the Minister prepared a plan to prevent future incidents? His Department provides 70% of the necessary finance for projects and, despite opposition from his Cabinet colleagues, he has held the line on maintaining expenditure in 2010. However, this will not be enough to meet the requirements of 2015 or the challenges that arose during the severe weather crisis. When will the Minister make an announcement regarding expenditure for 2010? Does he propose to devise a new approach to deal with the types of problems that arose during the recent severe weather crisis?

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