Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

It is very clear that the Tánaiste is not keen on a full investigation. The Comptroller and Auditor General does not have the competence or authority to carry out what the Tánaiste is suggesting. Those are the words from the man's own mouth. The Tánaiste said she was not sure whether there would have to be a legislative change. She should be sure at this stage. It has been said repeatedly, including by the officeholder, that he has no remit whatsoever, high up or low down, in respect of IBRC, full stop. When does the Tánaiste propose to bring forward a motion establishing the investigative mechanism of which she speaks? I strongly urge that she use the 2004 legislation, which exists for this purpose.

I raise the water services Bill every week. Although I never get answers, hope springs eternal, to use a water metaphor. We are told the water services Bill will address outstanding issues reflected in the Government's water package in November 2014. This is jargon or a euphemism for provisions to deduct unpaid water charges from people's wages, welfare payments or pensions. For months, I have raised this proposal that the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government, Deputy Alan Kelly, has championed, and I have never received a straight answer. When will the legislation be published?

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