Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Deputy Adams asked whether I will support the legislation put forward by his party. The answer is "No" and I have given the reasons. The Deputy commented on the situation in general. Only a few weeks ago, he was advocating the payment of water charges and saying he would advise supporters of his party to make their contribution to investment for the future. The Deputy changed his mind when he heard the sound of marching feet. Of course, Deputy Adams is very much a man who needs to see that his party keeps its word. Yesterday evening, members of the Garda Síochána spoke to public representatives of his party in Sligo and were given a specific assurance that public roadways would not be blocked and there would be a peaceful protest, which is perfectly legitimate. That was not what happened when the opportunity arose. If Deputy Adams gave his party members instructions, they did not carry out those instructions.

We are very conscious of the issues here because they have been raised by many people around the country. There are implications in respect of the proposition contained in the Bill. In order to strengthen what is already referred to in the Constitution and for the reasons I have outlined to the Deputy, the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government will bring forward primary legislation to strengthen and bolster the position in so far as the Constitution is concerned, so that Irish Water will be retained in public ownership and will never be privatised.

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