Niall Collins (Limerick, Fianna Fail)

The Minister has stated the Government has its asset disposal policy, of which we are aware. Will he give an undertaking that Irish Water, when established, will not form part of the Government's asset disposal programme any time in the future? What other organisations or entities were considered in tandem with Bord Gáis for the roll-out of the water supply and water metering programme? We do not have insider information on why Bord Gáis was selected by the Government. How many other similar organisations were considered by it for the roll-out of the programme? Can the Minister shed light on the process undertaken? We know that there was no formal tendering process, but we are operating in a vacuum in respect of the decision made.

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