James Bannon (Fine Gael)

Yes, but I also oppose the section and I wanted the opportunity to outline my reasons for that. This section paves the way for the privatisation of the water supply, and it may be used as a vehicle to introduce water charges. Section 99 effectively confers power on the Minister to amend provisions in this Bill to enable the introduction of charges. We have a major difficulty with that because it goes against the idea of the role of Members of this House. We are here to improve legislation etc., and if we permit this section to remain in the Bill, we will need to make it clear that it can only be used in exceptional circumstances. That is the reason the words "in circumstances of emergency" should be inserted in this section. It is difficult to speak to the amendment when I am opposing the section but perhaps the Minister of State would consider changing the section because I am not happy with it.