Results 6,961-6,980 of 18,851 for speaker:Fergus O'Dowd

Seanad: Water Services (No. 2) Bill 2013: Report Stage (Resumed) and Final Stage (18 Dec 2013)

Fergus O'Dowd: These amendments provide that the Commission for Energy Regulation shall consider all of Irish Water's costs - its capital and operational expenses - when it is considering the water charges plan submitted by Irish Water. As I explained earlier, the costs submitted by Irish Water will be subject to detailed examination by the economic and technical specialists within the Commission for...

Seanad: Water Services (No. 2) Bill 2013: Report Stage (Resumed) and Final Stage (18 Dec 2013)

Fergus O'Dowd: We and the Opposition have reached agreement in terms of what the Senator said about the intention of the Oireachtas to interrogate all these issues. I mean that in the broadest sense and not in a political sense. I met the regulator earlier today in connection with this issue. The regulator reassured me that, as was said in public and quoted in the Oireachtas document, it wants to be...

Seanad: Water Services (No. 2) Bill 2013: Report Stage (Resumed) and Final Stage (18 Dec 2013)

Fergus O'Dowd: I thank Senator Barrett and the House for what happened earlier and acknowledge it. It is very welcome and shows the objectivity we have in debates, which I very much welcome. The Oireachtas has invigilating powers, particularly in respect of the water services plan, and will play a very important role in that. There will be legislation later which will take up some issues relating to the...

Seanad: Water Services (No. 2) Bill 2013: Report Stage (Resumed) and Final Stage (18 Dec 2013)

Fergus O'Dowd: I did not mention that figure, it was Senator Barrett.

Seanad: Water Services (No. 2) Bill 2013: Report Stage (Resumed) and Final Stage (18 Dec 2013)

Fergus O'Dowd: An interdepartmental group was established to examine issues, including affordability and the free allowance. I welcome the viewpoints of all Members on both sides of the House on the question of affordability. The body is consulting with a number of groups on the free allowance and other issues. The interdepartmental group comprises representatives of the ESRI, the National Federation of...

Seanad: Water Services (No. 2) Bill 2013: Report Stage (Resumed) and Final Stage (18 Dec 2013)

Fergus O'Dowd: Can I answer that?

Seanad: Water Services (No. 2) Bill 2013: Report Stage (Resumed) and Final Stage (18 Dec 2013)

Fergus O'Dowd: This is the legislation which provides for the plan to be done.

Seanad: Water Services (No. 2) Bill 2013: Report Stage (Resumed) and Final Stage (18 Dec 2013)

Fergus O'Dowd: No.

Seanad: Water Services (No. 2) Bill 2013: Report Stage (Resumed) and Final Stage (18 Dec 2013)

Fergus O'Dowd: As the Senator said, I may have inadvertently miscommunicated it, for want of a better way of putting it in English. There will be a debate here on all of these issues. The first debate is when Irish Water or Uisce Éireann makes its plan. First, it goes to the regulator and will become a public document, so it will be a matter for discussion and debate. The regulator then consults...

Seanad: Water Services (No. 2) Bill 2013: Report Stage (Resumed) and Final Stage (18 Dec 2013)

Fergus O'Dowd: Legislation has the power and the power is given here but there will be accountability.

Seanad: Water Services (No. 2) Bill 2013: Report Stage (Resumed) and Final Stage (18 Dec 2013)

Fergus O'Dowd: I do not know if it is a fair analogy but one must look at the way the regulator makes decisions on electricity. The regulator consults but has the power to make the final decision. The Government does not set the charge for electricity, telecoms or all sorts of other sectors. It appoints a regulator to take on board all the views. Members of the Oireachtas will have a discussion on all...

Seanad: Water Services (No. 2) Bill 2013: Report Stage (Resumed) and Final Stage (18 Dec 2013)

Fergus O'Dowd: While I believe we have gone over much of this ground, in respect of amendment No. 45, the memorandum and articles of association are a requirement of the Companies Act to which Irish Water is subject in respect of governance. This is the reason I must oppose amendment No. 45. The key arguments made with regard to Irish Water-Uisce Éireann pertain to privatisation, and people on all...

Seanad: Water Services (No. 2) Bill 2013: Report Stage (Resumed) and Final Stage (18 Dec 2013)

Fergus O'Dowd: Yes, unless there is new legislation, but the Water Services Acts clearly state that a water resource cannot be sold. This affirms the principle the Senator and everybody else, including myself, wants, namely, that it cannot and will not be sold. With respect to everybody, that is exceptionally clear. Regarding all the other issues the Senator raised, we debated them and I am satisfied the...

Seanad: Water Services (No. 2) Bill 2013: Report Stage (Resumed) and Final Stage (18 Dec 2013)

Fergus O'Dowd: I thank the Senators for the contributions from all sides of the House. While we have had a lot of time to discuss the amendments, given their nature I would have no difficulty going on all night because I believe this is very important. However, I accept the decision of the House. In particular, I believe the debate has helped inform accountability, which is what the questions that have...

Water Services (No. 2) Bill 2013 [Seanad]: Second Stage (19 Dec 2013)

Fergus O'Dowd: I move: "That the Bill be now read a Second Time."

Water Services (No. 2) Bill 2013 [Seanad]: Second Stage (19 Dec 2013)

Fergus O'Dowd: Tá an Bille seo faoi bhráid na Dála inniu agus bhí díospóireacht an-mhaith sa Seanad coicís ó shin. Bhí tuairimí ag gach taobh den Teach agus d'éisteamar leo, agus táimid ag díriú ar cuid de na rudaí a dúireadh ag an am sin. This Bill is the second legislative milestone in the Government's strategy for the...

Water Services (No. 2) Bill 2013 [Seanad]: Second Stage (19 Dec 2013)

Fergus O'Dowd: I am adhering to the order of the House. My time is up.

Water Services (No. 2) Bill 2013 [Seanad]: Second Stage (19 Dec 2013)

Fergus O'Dowd: Deputies have a copy of the rest of my speech.

Water Services (No. 2) Bill 2013 [Seanad]: Second Stage (19 Dec 2013)

Fergus O'Dowd: On a point of information, an amendment has been introduced to address the issue raised by the Deputy.

Water Services (No.2) Bill 2013: Second Stage (Resumed) (19 Dec 2013)

Fergus O'Dowd: The water out provision will apply only to commercial premises.