Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The regulator issued instructions some time ago that there be an 8% reduction in the cost base of Irish Water. The service level agreements are with the people who previously worked in county councils, many of whom did a wonderful job in some local authorities but not in every case. There were 34 entities. These are features of the overall decision that Government will announce next week. I agree with the principle of a contribution being made but that it be affordable, fair and people should fully understand what they get for that.

There is a major upfront capital programme of a €10 billion investment over the next few years to supply proper water for the city and the conurbations built up around it, and for the many places throughout the country where there is an inadequate system and the solutions put forward. These cannot be put in place without investment and solid engineering. The Government will announce its decisions on all of these issues next week and then we can debate it in the House for as long as people wish.

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