Paddy Burke (Fine Gael)

While I thank the Minister of State for his reply, there is no great comfort for any schools or their boards of management. I note the Minister of State did not refer to the question I asked about sewerage charges. While the Water Services Bill was introduced in this House a few months ago, I note it has been put on hold until after the local elections. I presume this is a ploy by the Government to delay paving the way for the privatisation or partial privatisation of water services. However, the sewerage charge will double charges and have a crippling effect when it comes into operation, as it must according to Government policy.