Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

As Deputy Wallace is aware, this issue has been ongoing for many years. Clearly, those 20,000 people cannot be left in that situation. I do not accept the Deputy's statement that the structure is wrong. I believe the Government has done the right thing in setting up Irish Water as an entity that will not be privatised and can borrow off balance sheet for investment to improve the quality of the services given to people, business and so on. It is a matter for Ervia, with Irish Water, to address the practical problems being experienced daily by people in terms of communicating with them about their particular situations.

In so far as Government is concerned, there is a need for improved clarity for people in order that they can have confidence that the contributions they make will go towards the improvement of the infrastructure and water quality for all our people and businesses. While some decisions in this regard remain to be made, Ervia, Irish Water and the Government will see to it that happens.

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