Tom Barry (Cork East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

While it is repeating the point, it is very important to say I absolutely condemn the thuggish behaviour that took place last week. There is no place for it in our democracy. It was shocking. Politicians from all parties might disagree with each other's policies and we might have issues between us, but allowing mob rule is a very dangerous route to take. Not only was the Tánaiste trapped in a car, which was horrific, but her staff were also attacked and bruised by bullies and people chanting "Peaceful protest". I am sorry, but that is just not on. I hope they are really proud of themselves. I hope they will reflect on what they have done and apologise. It is, however, a lot harder to apologise.

I have participated in many protests during the years. I protested against sugar beet closures and with the IFA when farmers were not being listened to. However, we always did it in an organised fashion and respected the people with whom we were dealing. I do not like the way this is going. The social media campaign taking place is horrific. We need to look at this issue in more detail at a later date.

I have paid for water during the years. We received our water supply in 1966, the year my sister was born. What a revelation it was to have water coming into our home; it was fantastic and changed everything. The pipe laid in 1966 is still in place today, although, unfortunately, it will have to be replaced because it is deteriorating. In 1966 it was a farm with some 30 cows, but today we are looking at farms with hundreds. We are increasing the animal population owing to what is the good news story of Ireland being a huge supplier of infant milk formula across the world. However, in order to produce high quality milk, we need an awful lot of water and a reliable supply. I had to sink a well two years ago at a cost of €7,000. No one here should think water is cheap because it is not. Even going down 300 feet into the ground does not guarantee a consistent supply. Water is an essential asset.

The town of Mallow, in which I live, had a reserve of only 12 hours until a few years ago, when Cork County Council spent €4 million on a new and badly needed supply. I would like to see movement on the conversation measures mentioned - for example, on the question of whether we can grant-aid water softening systems. I accept that we are living with issues such as hard water and iron in the water which, if they are not bad for people, cause a lot of trouble. I think of a town such as Youghal, in which sewage is flowing straight into the sea, despite its being a huge amenity area. That is just not on and we should be striving to fix the problem. When Deputies say they are not paying for water, that is fine, because I will pay for it. If they do not want to pay, others will pick up the tab, because it has to be done. It is as simple as that. I wonder how many are objecting to this on the basis of conviction rather than political cuteness.

We are talking about drinking water. At €1.85 per 1,000 litres, a 500 ml bottle would cost 0.0009 cent.

If that is not affordable, I rest my case.

There is no doubt that the debate has been handled poorly, but people will see that there has been political acceptance of this. When one makes a policy, one expects it to be carried out properly using executive functions. If we must monitor it closely, we will do so, but it would be far better if we had the help of more people in looking to make this work, as opposed to trying to pull it apart.

The biggest issue for people in the countryside is lack of pressure. Most people have to keep their own supplies. They build a supply during the night and use it during the day. This, I hope, will be a new era in Ireland in which we will see proper infrastructure put in place. I am certainly looking forward to seeing the results in time.

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