Seán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for engaging with me on this issue and I recognise that blame is laid at successive Governments' doors. We have not tackled this issue as a country in as proactive a way as we should have.

If we are to have a debate on the future of water and wastewater treatment services, I am not convinced that the current investment plan will be followed through and that the Government can guarantee that capital expenditure will be made available to meet the needs of the remaining 38 towns and agglomerations identified by the European Commission. We must ensure that the capital expenditure is locked down regardless of the outcome of the committee's deliberations when it reports to the House. This is a public safety issue, one in which the health of our citizens comes into play, and we need to maintain an investment plan. There has never been a more opportune time to do so.

I worry that water and wastewater investment will slip down the agenda. If it competes with, for example, capital expenditure on roads, schools or hospitals, all of which are necessary, it will become the poor relation even though it is most vital to our needs. I hope that we can continue to ensure that the budget of €1 billion plus for the investment plan is locked down so that the 2021 target can be achieved and the needs of the 38 towns and agglomerations will be catered for.

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