Alan Kelly (Tipperary North, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy. I also have to be open and straight with the House. This is a matter for EUROSTAT. I expect it will be imminent but I cannot dictate or decide when it will make its decision. We have already stated quite publicly what has been put forward to it, but it is an independent process with regard to its decision and when it announces that decision. I have no control whatsoever over this and I hope the Deputy appreciates this. I do not know whether he is shaking his head because he agrees or disagrees with me, but I have no control over it. I expect it will come forward with a decision. I am very confident it will decide it is off-balance sheet. For the Deputy's information, I am very satisfied, as I said through numerous media yesterday, with the response in the first billing period from customers of Irish Water.

See this speech in context