Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour) | Oireachtas source

We believe there should be a reasonable allowance to meet every household's needs, taking into account the needs of someone such a person with a disability or children.

Above that, people should pay for the excessive use of water. I will stand up and say this again if Sinn Féin tables another motion in a few months.

The Minister is correct that there is a desperate need to invest in our water infrastructure. I was at a meeting recently at which social progress indicators were discussed. Ireland does well in respect of such indicators in a variety of areas but our water infrastructure and the fact that our rivers and lakes are being polluted and there are leaks all over the place is pulling us down. I also had an interesting experience recently on my own estate when Irish Water came in to replace lead connections on shared services. The local Sinn Féin councillor came along and asked the workers also to replace the connections that were not for shared services and I agreed with him. There was a recognition that Irish Water is taking positive action, particularly in Limerick where lead is being removed from pipes.

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