Niall Collins (Limerick, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

There is no doubt but that the public takes a cynical view of politics in general in this country. This is evident from the opinion polls and the dissatisfaction ratings of the Government and all political parties. It is worrying and disturbing that a large section of our society is cynical about the way in which politics in this country is being conducted. The evolution of Irish Water and the progression to charging for the supply of water in this country, broken promises, spin, vagueness, couching of language and general attempts by Government to avoid telling the public what they want to know are among the reasons for this cynicism. To use the Taoiseach's words, "Paddy likes to know". Unfortunately, Paddy is not being told the truth or, at least, the whole truth in relation to the charging structure coming down the tracks from Government and Irish Water. That is regrettable.

I believe this motion forced the Government's hand. The statement made today by the Government is shrouded in vagueness. During the recent progression of the Freedom of Information Bill 2013 through the House many Government Deputies who seek to be champions of freedom of information happily voted to exempt Irish Water from that legislation.

Another issue of concern is that of bonuses within the new entity of Irish Water. Irish Water has rightly been described as a bonus-driven, out-of-control super quango. It is worrying that this recently established semi-State company, in advance of offering the public its services and a transparent water charging regime, is paying vast bonuses. I do not believe this should be permitted. The Government should have taken steps to address that. Following on from this is the issue of millions of euro expended by Irish Water on consultancy fees. The question that must be asked, in the context of the withdrawal of discretionary medical cards and queues at accident and emergency departments is whether this expenditure by a new entity was necessary. The public is very concerned and cynical.

Today we had various people, including members of the Labour Party, absent as usual from debates on Private Members' motions, trying to claim credit for what was announced, as if it was a type of political win. The Government needs to stop treating the public as fools and using people as a pawn in the middle of an election campaign. The public want to know where they stand. As outlined by the two previous speakers from this side, the €240 mentioned is, unfortunately, an average of what consumers will pay. We do not know the maximum or minimum payment or the amount of water to be provided free of charge. Can the Minister tell us how long 30,000 free litres will last on average? Also, as mentioned by Deputy Michael McGrath, what will be the free entitlement of a household in which there are a number of children over 18 years of age? How are people to afford this charge? This is the question foremost on people's minds.

The Minister has stated that equity and fairness will be ensured. As rightly stated earlier, no real element of equity or fairness was built into the household charge or local property tax. The property tax was subsequently doubled. People are focused on and concerned about this issue because they cannot afford a bill which could be anywhere north of €500. It would be great if every bill was €240 but that will not be the case. The Minister needs to tell us the maximum and minimum payments. We also need clarity in relation to the service level agreements. These 12 year agreements entered into by the local authorities with Irish Water were also shrouded in secrecy. I know that a number of local authorities produced their estimates without having had sight of the service level agreements, many of which arrived in the local authorities over the Christmas period. That is no way to reform local government or present Estimates.

Despite the transfer of billions of euro of assets to Irish Water the pension liabilities remain with local authorities. This leads to the conclusion that Irish Water may in future be privatised, which is also of concern. I would be obliged if the Minister when responding later would address those issues. Unfortunately, despite the announcement by Government today there is not clarity around this issue. The public is entitled to clarity. The Government can dress this up in PR speak all it wants but the public needs clarity. I do not believe they got that today.

See this speech in context