Eoghan Murphy (Dublin Bay South, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Deputy Cowen captured accurately my intention regarding this amendment. We discussed this on Committee Stage. I too sat on the Committee of Public Accounts and have worked with the Comptroller and Auditor General. I know the excellent work that committee does. The Deputy is accurate when he says this would not be the appropriate place to make such an amendment, rather, the Comptroller and Auditor General Act would be the appropriate place to do it, and that is something I want to do.

I brought this matter to the Government at a Cabinet meeting today and have responded to the committee Chair. It is a lengthy letter, but I will read out the last paragraph so that people can be clear. It states:

To restate my position for clarity, it would be my intention, once there is a further understanding on what needs to be done, to see Irish Water come within the remit of the C&AG. I have today brought proposals to Government to initiate the necessary work in this regard. I hope this work will be completed in the shortest timeframe, given its priority, and that, with all-party support, agreement can be reached on the appropriate role for the C&AG with respect to Irish Water as soon as is practicably possible.

I therefore cannot accept the amendment.

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