Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

I understand Deputy McDonald's leader is at the socraid of Micheál Doherty and I extend our sympathies to Deputy Pearse Doherty on the loss of his father.

I remind her of the comment made by her leader yesterday that this was about the privatisation of water. It is nothing of the kind. In fact, the legislation will strengthen the position that this is a publicly owned utility. That is why when expressions of interest were sought on who might run and set up Irish Water two existing semi-State bodies responded, not private companies which, in the words of Deputy Donnelly, would have a contract or tender awarded to them for the privatisation of water. This is a universal product. A universal transmission for high quality water is so important for both business and for personal life.

The Deputy should not say in this House that I said people would have their water cut off.

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