Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)

I will clarify. Irish Water will be a State-owned entity, not a private one, and it will not be privatised. The management of our water infrastructure will be by a State entity. The Deputy need have no fears in that regard.

The Deputy's second point related to the programme for Government, which states that €2 billion from the sale of non-strategic State assets will be used to finance the NewERA investment programme. However, that which is essential for the State will remain in State ownership.

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