Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Bill gives the regulator power to commence the work and to consult on all these issues. As regards the point raised earlier by Deputies Catherine Murphy and Stanley, when a report is laid before the House, it is up to Members to read it should they wish to do so. For example, when I was on the committee dealing with transport, we brought in CIE representatives 12 times over a two or three month period. Oireachtas committees have those powers. The legislation states that the report must be laid before the Oireachtas, which means that the body is accountable to the Oireachtas. The relevant committee will then decide when it wants the representatives to come in. For example, the CIE representatives were queried about auditing and other issues. We found that useful but it is not the only way in which the House can hold Irish Water accountable. I presume the Whips can also arrange for a debate to be held. I cannot imagine that there would not be such debates at regular intervals due to the importance of the issues involved, including climate, costs and the economy.

As I understand it, the Minister for Finance must make a full and detailed annual statement to the House on the guarantee he has given and the outcome of funding arrangements. The sum of €300 million is roughly what the Government is putting in this year. It is a matter for each annual budget to determine what that amount will be. Any government can decide what that amount will be depending on financial circumstances and demands. Irish Water will state what its development plans are and how much it needs, which will determine when it requires various tranches of money.

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