Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)

I will attempt to allay the Deputy's fears. It is the Government's firm intention to establish a publicly-owned water utility called Irish Water. It will be retained in State ownership. That will be enshrined in legislation and, while we have no control over future Governments, as long as my party is a member of this Government no consideration will be given to the sale of Irish Water. That is the unanimous decision of both parties in Government and it is our firm commitment.

Bord Gáis Éireann was established to distribute natural gas. It built up other business but these are not related to its core functions. Selling off some of the company's capacity to generate electricity in order to increase competition in the market and avoid domination by two publicly owned utilities is a pro-energy and pro-business stance which the Deputy opposite would normally be inclined to support.

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