Damien English (Meath West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

It is also not factual when the Deputy said that it can be privatised. It cannot be privatised without the Irish public deciding it that way. It is written in law, it is there. As I said in the previous debate on this issue, let us focus on the goals that we do agree with and work constructively to chart a path towards an efficient and effective provision and funding for water services.

We believe the Sinn Féin motion is premature because we have a process in place and this debate will happen in the months ahead also. In fairness party does speak about having to fund water services from taxation, so it is not hiding the fact that the money has to come from somewhere. However, I would like Sinn Féin to outline where the money would come from and what services would not be funded instead. Sinn Féin could let us know if it wants to fund a school, a hospital or footpaths and it should let us know its thinking in that regard.

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