Barry Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Can the Minister confirm, and does he think it is ironic, that with regard to the borrowing of €300 million that Irish Water obtained in the markets at the end of last year, the rate it is paying - and, ultimately, that consumers will pay - is 2.5%? Is it the case that the rate at which the Government is borrowing on a regular basis through the NTMA just 1%? Despite all that has been spent - some would say wasted - in getting us to this point, the consumer will be expected to pay 150% more than if it was on balance sheet and within general taxation.

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