Áine Collins (Cork North West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Every Member of the Oireachtas agrees that Irish Water should always remain in public ownership. Of all the public resources, water is the most important for citizens. However, in order to have sufficient, safe and accessible water, the Government recognises the need for substantial investment after years of neglect. There is no point in protecting something in the Constitution if sufficient and safe water is not available in the first instance.

Irish Water can demonstrate that after installing 500 water meters, 22% water is being used by 1% of houses. This statistic is frightening. It is just incredible and highlights again the need for the water issue to be addressed. The Government has made it clear that Irish Water must always remain in public hands. Every party, Independent Member and representative believes this. The Minister announced appropriate mechanisms yesterday to ensure this would continue to be the case. The Government, despite the financial crisis, resisted pressure from the troika to sell off State assets such as ESB Networks and Coillte. The nation has learned from the lessons of the past. A huge mistake was made when Fianna Fáil decided to sell off eircom. We are still suffering economically as a nation because of that decision. We see this every day with the slow rolling out of broadband around the country, particularly in rural areas.

The Minister's announcement yesterday will go a long way towards satisfying people that, in setting up Irish Water, we can now provide safe, affordable and accessible water to all. I commend the Government's position.

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