Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

There was a nightmare scenario, about which I was very worried when I was appointed to the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government. In the event that officials are brought before an Oireachtas committee, which I would be happy to attend, I ask that all of them, including the relevant assistant secretary, who were present at any of the meetings at which I made comments on this matter state in clear, absolute and categorical terms that I was never silent and at all times made the points being made by many speakers in this debate. At my first meeting, I raised issues about affordability and water poverty, which was a key issue for me. The meeting defined water poverty as referring to those who spent more than 3% of their income on water. I asked that a report be commissioned on this matter and a report was done. I also raised the issues of low income, single parent and large families as well as children. These issues were most important to me at all times and I referred to them at every single meeting.

I also had a meeting, which was well attended by departmental officials and one or two Ministers, at which I raised the issue of fixing the pipes before the installation of water meters. I was not silent on that point and made clear my strong view that we needed to show credibility on the issue of water wastage. In County Roscommon, for example, more than 60% of water was being wasted, while in County Kerry the figure was more than 50%. We needed to acquire credibility by fixing the pipes before installing meters. This would allow us to make the case that, having spent so much money, the water coming through people's pipes would come into their house and would not be wasted and disappear into the ground. I emphasised the importance of building up public trust on this issue. Needless to say, my view was overruled by those who attended the meeting.

At every meeting I attended, particularly those attended by Irish Water officials and, previously, by representatives of Bord Gáis, I stressed the importance of communication. My message was that we must explain the position to people when installing meters because the public must buy into the issue. I stated at a meeting of a public forum, which can be viewed on youtube, that the battle for the hearts and minds of the people was about this very issue and that if we did not address it by selling it, the system would not work. We are now faced with protests, which was the nightmare scenario for me and the last thing I wanted to see. Everything I did and continue to do is to ensure the truth comes out, not only about my role but also because people must be informed and educated about what must happen in terms of water conservation.

We must talk about jobs in the pharmaceutical industry, farming and other water intensive industries such as information and communications technology. Why did Intel give Kildare County Council €32 million? The reason was the company wanted to augment its water supply in order that it could continue to employ thousands of people at its site. We have a wonderful opportunity to attract tens of thousands of jobs in water intensive industries. That is the message we need to sell and one that has not been sold.

Irish Water did not explain the shortage in Dublin's water supply and similar awful scenarios that will be realised if we do not augment and improve the water supply.

I went to Kerry County Council, Galway, Roscommon, Tipperary and everywhere else to sell this message. The trouble was that nobody listened to me. They are listening now, but perhaps it is too late.

I was asked by Deputy Martin whether anybody asked me about my comment that Irish Water would be an unmitigated disaster. I made such a comment at a high level meeting in the Department, which senior officials and the Minister attended. There was nothing hidden about what I said. We are now in a very difficult situation, with which we have to deal as best we can. I emphasised communications and schools time and again. I sent Irish Water a wonderful book about water produced by someone in Dundalk IT. I spoke to teachers in the Blackrock Institute of Further Education about how we could introduce a water model to all schools so that all children and primary schools would understand conservation and jobs, but that was not to be.

In regard to privatisation, when I spoke on the first Bill I said the No. 2 Bill would include a commitment that privatisation would never happen. When the Bill was published it made no reference to privatisation being banned, something to which I objected strongly. If one asks the officials they will say the same. It was wrong and we were going back on a fundamental promise I made in the Oireachtas. Needless to say, it was changed. The former Minister, Mr. Phil Hogan, in fairness to him, took it on board and it was in the Bill. I am very concerned about this issue and welcome the decision of the Government that privatisation will be the subject of a referendum, which is the way it should be.

I had a fundamental disagreement over the first fix being free. I spoke at a conference in February that year and said the first fix would be free, and Mr. John Tierney disagreed with me. When I went back to the Department I was told a press release would be issued to the media, contradicting what I had said. I said that was fair enough, and if it was released I would resign. It was not released. I am telling the truth, to which people are entitled. They are entitled to the facts, which I am giving to them.

The last debate I had with Irish Water and others concerned what would happen to Irish Water and whether there would be a reverse takeover with Bord Gáis. I was the only one at the meeting, which was attended by at least three Ministers, to say Irish Water must be a stand-alone company and should not and could not become part of any other company or conglomerate if it was to have credibility. I am concerned about the proposed legislation which has not yet been published. Irish Water must stand alone and I see no reason why anybody else should be involved in managing the board. Let it be the best it can be, which will happen.

Let us have the best and most accountable and professional Irish Water we can have, free of all encumbrances of politicians. If it is to have credibility, that is what has to happen. I always tell the truth and act in accordance with my conscience. I am not afraid to face anybody in any committee and will tell the truth at all times, because all I have are the facts for which I stand. I stand for the credibility of all of my actions as Minister of State. That is my life and what I have always done. I thank the Government for allowing me to speak and will return to some of the issues again.

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