Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Irish Water is the Government's Frankenstein creation. It is characterised by excessive spending on consultants, bonuses and cronyism, as well as the manner in which it was established and its management to date. It has been an unmitigated disaster.

The Taoiseach says that the Opposition has no alternative to the vision of Irish Water. The Taoiseach should sack his speechwriter. If this is his vision, then God help us all. Even Government TDs have woken up to this reality. The former Minister of State, Deputy Fergus O'Dowd, who introduced water charges legislation, valiantly defended the Taoiseach's party and Government every time he was asked. He was shafted, however, and then went on to acknowledge that Irish Water had abjectly failed. He described it as arrogant, uncaring, a cosseted quango with a bonus culture, and an unmitigated disaster.

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