Barry Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

We were told we would be shut up and the guillotine would be used, as it has been for 65% of legislation brought before the House by this Government. That is the way they do business; they do not just withhold information from their own Cabinet as they did in the establishment of Irish Water, they withhold it from this House and from anyone who seeks to question the Government on this subject or any other subject.

Deputy Derek Nolan and Deputy Anthony Lawlor appeared to give full support to this motion. Deputy Lawlor blamed the chief executive officer, as he did last week. Thank God he did not use the language he used then. He said there needs to be an assessed charge and that students over 18 should not be charged. He said there should be a cap on payments for any household. Deputy Robert Dowds of the Labour Party said there should be a standing charge until all meters are installed. Deputy Joe Costello of the Labour Party said that Irish Water is a subject and a company of derision. He voted for its establishment; he allowed his party to implement the policy to give it effect. Deputy Mulherin from Mayo and Fine Gael, said that the CER data is not sufficient and that the call-out fee and the allowances are ridiculous. She said the CER is being asked to do a job but it has not had an opportunity to assess the call-out charges. Those charges amount to €700 in some instances and the great news is that there might be a rebate when the CER examines the costs eventually. Then we are told they have not rushed the process but the CER is unable to catch up with the Government in its rush to charge. Deputy Keating said there should be a limited time to sort this out and there should be an assessed charge. This is the theme running through the role play carried out last night. Deputy O'Mahony, like the Minister, said he is not happy with the bonuses. He wants there to be a flat charge and he calls for an overhaul of the system. He said the postmen are unable to keep up with the volume of post which they are expected to deliver by the due date. This is further evidence of the rush which is synonymous with this project.

I did not have to say that it has been an unmitigated disaster because it was said by one of their own on the other side of the House. One by one I listened to those who were allowed to speak giving vent to their frustration and anger based on what is being said to them in their constituencies and throughout the country.

It is plain for everyone to see in the electoral performances in recent weeks. If their crocodile tears mean anything, they should support the motion and force the Government to do something about it. Otherwise they are blindly supporting it. The Government implemented it and is using them as cannon fodder. If they think it is the Government's problem, that it caused it or should do something about it, they should withdraw their support for it.

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