Alan Kelly (Tipperary North, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I will not engage in speculation on communications between a journalist and Department of Finance officials. I cannot confirm it one way or the other, although I find it very hard to believe. We are engaging with the CSO in terms of providing all the necessary information. We are very confident that it will pass the test. The figure the Deputy quoted is accurate; I think it is 44.38%. We are very confident in the model that has been put in place and, once this has been outlined through the CSO and the information provided to EUROSTAT, that EUROSTAT's determination will be fair and we will pass the MCT. As a result, Irish Water will be in a very strong position. This is what was always intended by the Government. We are very confident that Irish Water, as currently modelled, will pass the MCT.

See this speech in context