Liam Twomey (Wexford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I feel that Sinn Féin is a unique position in this House in the sense that it has responsibility for Northern Ireland Water, which is very similar to the structures being set up here. I agree with Deputy Stanley that there have been huge issues with Northern Ireland Water. The Deputy is right. Only a few short years ago, tens of thousands of people had no water for days, so there will be issues and I have no doubt that there will be teething issues with Irish Water as well. Sinn Féin's knowledge of this would be very useful to House in respect of how we roll out Irish Water and what happens, because it did have direct responsibility for Northern Ireland Water.

Sinn Féin never proposed dismantling Northern Ireland Water and giving responsibility for the delivery of water back to local authorities, so Sinn Féin recognises that there is a role for an organisation like Irish Water, in the same way as there is a role for Northern Ireland Water, to deliver a proper system of clean water and to get rid of wastewater in an appropriate fashion. Sinn Féin could make a very valuable contribution by making comparisons in this House with what happened with Northern Ireland Water. Pointing out the problems with Northern Ireland Water is as important as pointing out the good things.

See this speech in context