Clare Daly (Dublin North, Socialist Party) | Oireachtas source

I was not expecting to get the opportunity to participate in this charade but, seeing as the time allows, I thank the Acting Chairman, Deputy Troy, for that.

No doubt this is potentially the most significant piece of legislation in the lifetime of this Government so far. The Minister of State, Deputy O'Dowd, is facilitating the legalised robbery of this important public service. The manner in which the legislation has been constructed and the setting up of the service level agreements against the background of the recruitment embargo and the natural wastage that is occurring in local authorities means that inevitably they will not be in a position to fulfil those contracts, there will be a knock on the door and that task will be outsourced. The reality is, in a European context, that once one commodifies and charges for a public service, there is nothing one can do to prevent a private operator from coming in and bidding for it. Today the Government, in this incredibly undemocratic manner, is facilitating that process.

What we have seen with Irish Water is a big conglomerate with a nice glossy image and logo, an office and a telephone line, but no attention has been given to restoring and revamping the water supply. If the Government were to invest to fix the leaks, impose water conservation measures, etc., for which there is money available, we could have a top-class supply here. Instead, the Minister of State is undermining it and facilitating the vultures.

The idea that a Labour Party in Government could stand over the undemocratic way in which this is being foisted on us is an absolute insult, and the people of this country will not thank the Government for it. The idea that people should pay for water is anathema to them. People cannot afford these charges and they will not be engaging with the system whatsoever.

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