Barry Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Perhaps, but there is nothing in place for the regulator now should this legislation be passed today.

I acknowledge the commitment of the previous Government in regard to water charges. The Government has been in office now for two years. I would have expected it to have made a conscious decision at this stage to stop blaming the previous Government for everything. It is not wearing with the electorate. The Government has appointed Bord Gáis rather than Bord na Móna. While Bord Gáis gave commitments to keep to the timescale provided for in the agreement, it has not done so. It also has not provided the information I requested. The Government is hiding behind a procurement process, which I believe is complete. The Minister of State told us today that setting the price will be the job of the regulator. Some would argue the Government will hide behind him too.

I recently spoke to the Minister of State about the energy regulator's delay in agreeing a pricing policy in respect of power. This process has been ongoing now for 11 or 12 months. I am not asking for interference in the decision rather I am asking that the regulator make a decision in the interests of the State and a reduction in costs, which would mean less charges in the electricity sector. On the Government's commitments in this area, this legislation is poor and late. The Minister of State has acknowledged that this legislation provides no certainty that water services will not be privatised. He also said that matter will be addressed in future legislation in this area.

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