Alan Kelly (Tipperary North, Labour) | Oireachtas source

This has been bandied about, and there have been different interpretations in previous years. We do not have a derogation. As a consequence of the circumstances of the country, our current situation and that of the past number of years, and the manner in which the agreement with the troika was signed up to by the previous Administration, not only do we not have a derogation, but, as a result of our circumstances, we do not have a derogation because we have committed, as the Deputy is fully aware, to the introduction of the model we have developed.

It is important that we discuss the water framework directive and the necessity for us to be compliant with it. Without investment of the level required, we simply will not be in compliance with it in any way, shape or form. We all know the reasons for that and the situations with which we have to deal across the country. It is for this reason that we have adopted this policy. It has happened out of necessity because, as a country, we had no choice.

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