Michael Fitzmaurice (Roscommon-Galway, Independent) | Oireachtas source

This is a Bill basically about Bord Gáis, or Ervia as it is now known, separating from Irish Water. That is badly needed because Irish Water is an overcooked organisation given the way it has done things. Proper budgets are needed for Irish Water. Previous speakers outlined where there are problems throughout the country. These will not be magically solved overnight. The problem is that over the years not enough money was given to resolve the issues in these towns, especially in the west. They need to be treated the same as everywhere else.

The House is in agreement that many people are very unhappy about what is going on with the workers in the councils. The Minister needs to give a clear indication that a referendum takes place. That is ferociously important. The Government should say that straight away because many of the workers are very sceptical about what is going on.

I support what Deputy Joan Collins proposed in her Bill. The Minister of State should not forget the group water schemes. However, what we have to deal with in this Bill is Bord Gáis separating from Irish Water.

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