Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent) | Oireachtas source

It is related to Irish Water. Deputy Mattie McGrath's Bill seeks to amend the Water Services Act 2013 to make Irish Water subject to freedom of information provisions. The performance of the board of the subsidiary company would be fully subject to freedom of information requests. The issue of transparency arose in the past several days. In our debates on Irish Water, we must also focus on the cost of the project, the amount of money that has been wasted and the serious public health issues in respect of boil water notices and lead pipes. Approximately 200,000 families are potentially at risk. We do not need windy campaigns; we need sensible policies.

I commend my colleague Deputy Mattie McGrath on bringing this legislation before the House. It demonstrates the importance of having independent voices in the Dáil. I know Deputy Cowen will strongly endorse that stance. We need people who can bring new ideas, policies and visions which can help this country. The Bill before us will help to develop water services on this island.

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