Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

We will have a debate on Thursday on this matter. Essentially, the question asked in this regard was what was the best thing to do in respect of dealing with water, water resources and the provision of water for the years ahead. The PwC report set out its view and the Government looked at the PwC report and read it, unlike some previous Ministers in previous Governments who did not read their brief at all. The Government came to the conclusion, in accordance with the programme for Government, that new entities and operations should not be set up where existing ones could do the job. Bord Gáis Éireann has a proven track record of great competence in dealing with thousands of consumers, national lines, accountants, bills and all of that and the Government decided it would be preferable to do it as a public entity under Bord Gáis Éireann and this was the clear decision of the Government. That decision keeps this in public ownership, with no intention, as will be demonstrated legally, of privatising Irish Water. This is very important for Irish people, businesses and the economy.

What is involved here is giving responsibility, not passing the buck. We are giving official State responsibility to Bord Gáis Éireann to set up Irish Water. This will be implemented through the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government. Responsibility will be transferred to Bord Gáis Éireann, as Irish Water, to deal with this issue over the next number of years. No charges will apply until 2014 and all of the detail will be worked out. The Deputy is aware of the PwC report. The Government looked at that report and the question was whether to set up a brand new entity or use existing expertise and professionalism.

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