Pat Gallagher (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)

Senator Bannon is correct that I originally indicated my acceptance of amendment No. 76 but my amendment No. 75 offers an alternative approach to achieve the same purpose.

Regarding privatisation, the water services authority is not a new body, rather it is a new name for the existing sanitary authorities. I had expected some Members to allude to privatisation, as was the case during the previous debate, but nothing in this Bill paves the way for privatisation. I am glad to have the opportunity to confirm the Government's position that the privatisation of water services is not contemplated. Those involved in the provision of water to rural areas through what we traditionally know as the group water schemes, which have been provided with State aid through the local authorities over the years, have provided an essential service for which they should be complimented.

References to privatisation and to public private partnerships do not spell out a nationwide privatisation of the water supply. The design, build and operate provisions I refer to are all standard current arrangements. A new capital water services fund has been provided by my Department and design, build and operate provisions are operating prior to the enactment of this legislation. The public private partnerships will operate either on the basis of a contract between a water services authority and a private operator or a joint water services authority in arrangement with the private sector to provide the service. It is important to note that the norm is that the design, build and operate scheme will be for about 20 years. It is also important to note that the assets never become the property of the private partnership.

Senator Bannon also made reference to the number of amendments. There are a substantial number of Government amendments. It must be recalled that the Bill was published last December. It was the first time there was an opportunity to embark on a consultation process. Many stakeholders are involved. There was an opportunity then, when the Bill was in the public arena, to consult with the local authorities. Many amendments have evolved as a result of that. When finalised, the Bill will be a much better legislation, not in the interests, necessarily, of the Minister and the Department, but of the people we represent. We have consulted with all of the local authorities, with the National Federation of Group Water Schemes and with IBEC. Senators know the important role the rural water monitoring committee plays in the provision of water to rural areas. I hope I have made it clear there is no question of privatisation. It is not on the agenda.