Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Irish Water has taken a decision in terms of its procurement policy and tendering out to one per county. I hear what the Deputy is saying. It has been an ongoing issue with the centralisation of procurement. Even nationally, the centralisation of procurement has actually disadvantaged smaller operators in the regions. I do not interfere in the operations of Irish Water, and nor can I, but I do take the general point. I will enquire of them to see the rationale for the policy and why it is being developed. I will articulate the Deputy's concerns and the concerns of others in the sector who would be impacted by such a decision.

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