Séamus Healy (Tipperary, Workers and Unemployed Action Group) | Oireachtas source

While I strongly support this amendment, I want to see the abolition of Irish Water. I tabled an amendment to effect that, so I object to it being ruled out of order. It is not out of order. In light of the explanatory memorandum, it is centrally related to the Bill and should have been allowed to be debated.

There is no doubt in my mind that Irish Water has been a toxic entity from day one. There was a considerable waste of public money through large payments to consultants when setting it up. The €50 million rose to something like €100 million. The installation of water meters was also a significant waste of public money. The operation of Irish Water on the ground leaves everything to be desired.

There is absolutely no contact with local people, communities and individuals. There are no Irish Water staff or offices on the ground. There are major problems in contacting Irish Water. There have been major problems since the transfer of water and sewerage services from local authorities to Irish Water. Irish Water should be abolished and the services handed back to local authorities. That is what I had in my amendment, which was in order and should not have been ruled out of order. I support this amendment. If not in this Bill, I hope we will get to a situation whereby Irish Water will be abolished.

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