Mattie McGrath (Tipperary South, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Yes, but I am asking a question about whether Mr. Barry is suspended. It is to do with work that was done in a project and work that was done for a county council where there was overcharging. I am reliably informed that he is suspended, and before Members go any further here - before this Bill is passed and before it goes to Seanad Éireann - I ask either the Minister of State now or the senior Minister this evening to get clarification in this regard. It would rock the very foundations of the matters under discussion if there was this kind of carry-on from people who are in place already. I am merely asking the question, and the Minister can clarify the point. I note that he is unable to clarify financial matters. Last night, Members learned about the €460 million, and while the Minister did not answer parliamentary questions tabled by me, Deputy Cowen and others, it then was announced that this had been decided on last May. Moreover, the House was never consulted on this.

I seek answers to that question. Is the said gentleman suspended? He is the sole architect and designer of the so-called Uisce Éireann, which is Irish Water and which I have described as an untamed beast at this point. It is running wild and running amok and one can see why the people on the street are objecting to it. Nevertheless, the Government is forcing it through, as it did this time last year, in the final days of the session. Moreover, it was signed into law by Uachtarán na hÉireann on Lá Nollag. This is a charade of the highest order, and unless there is transparency, openness and full information, there is no point in proposing the cancellation of one board or the merger of two into one. There is no point in trying to make it look good and be transparent and sellable. Nothing about this is sellable. It cannot be sold and one could not give it away if one wished. The Minister of State is also aware of this. It could not be given as a Christmas present. Santa Claus would not take it or bring it anywhere.

I have asked a serious question about the former chief executive officer who was the designer and architect who designed the scheme. He designed Irish Water and passed it on to the Government, which ran with it. Moreover, the Government still is running with it and now has no place in which to hide it. It has been exposed in all its worst condition as being unsellable, untenable and unviable, and it should be withdrawn immediately. These questions also should be answered, as well as the financial questions that have been asked but not answered by the Taoiseach today or ever. It is too much a case of "As I roved out," "Live horse and you will get grass," or "Wait until tomorrow and we will see when it works." It will be too late. As a previous speaker, Deputy McNamara, who is a member of a Government party, has stated, the shares can be sold off without any need for further legislation here. I seek a freagra ar an cheist sin. I have put a serious question on which I seek clarification. Is this true or not, and if so, why? I seek an explanation as to what is going on there. What if such issues happened under Ervia or Bord Gáis Éireann, which is proposed to have charge of Irish Water? Is this gentleman suspended? and was there impropriety? If there was, get it out in the House and have an investigation. I totally accept that he is entitled to his good name until such time as this is proven. I am not being a judge but am asking a question.

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