Pat Gallagher (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)

I have reviewed this section with my officials and I agree the proposed amendment adds clarity to the intention of the section. Therefore, I am happy to accept it. On the further question raised by Senator Bannon, I state unambiguously that the Government's position on water charges has not been changed by this Bill. The Bill makes no provision whatsoever for water charges. The Local Government (Financial Provisions) Act 1997, which specifically precludes charging for domestic water services, continues to apply.

The matter may be debated in various local authority chambers and I cannot prevent anyone from debating it in this House. As far as the Government is concerned, however, the matter is black and white. There is no grey area. There is no section in this Bill that provides for the Minister to introduce water charges by way of regulation and if anyone pointed out such a section to me I would be extremely surprised. There is no such provision, nor will there be. I hope this will allay the fears of Members and that this message will go out to the wider public.