Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

To answer the last question first, if Deputy Wallace can bring to my attention any specific examples in which subcontractors are not paying the proper rate I will be glad to investigate them.

It will require €10 billion over the next 12 years to repair the leaking system we have. There has been under-investment over the years. A total of €120 million will be spent between last year, this year and next year as part of the pipe rehabilitation network in places such as Roundwood and Ballymore Eustace, and we need to spend more to deal with the Victorian pipe network which has not been touched in the past 110 years.

To answer Deputy Daly, the minute meters have been installed in the group water sector and businesses there has been a 15% reduction in consumption. There is a demand-led solution and a supply-side solution. We have evidence of this. We do not have the evidence the Deputy mentioned.

See this speech in context