Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I do not agree with Deputy O'Dowd's comment that Irish Water is an unmitigated disaster. I agree Irish Water certainly had teething problems during the course of its being set up. I also agree Irish Water is here to stay. It is a fundamental concept and it is an entity to deal with the situation which was allowed to develop over many years whereby we pay €1.2 billion to produce water, 40% of which leaks away, where many dozens of treatment plans are inferior, where many kilometres of pipe work are not fit for purpose, and where 20,000 people must live regularly with boil water notices. Deputy Martin is well aware this can only be achieved by having an entity that can borrow money to invest in this off the State payroll, as it were, to provide for the future, business, people and consumers.

Water is a very precious commodity. Given our geography and location we are blessed with an abundant supply of water. The situation which had pertained for so many years could not continue. I am the first to say that Irish Water had teething problems when it was being set up, and everyone understands that. There is always a need for clearer communication about the issues involved, who pays what and how one can pay. The Government has set out a number of policy directions to the regulator, which include the average metered water charge, the allowance per household and the allowance per child. This has been followed by other announcements in respect of facilities and further contributions for those who receive the household package and those who have particular medical ailments who might require a lot of water whereby the charge is capped. I do not accept the Deputy's assertion.

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