Pat Gallagher (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)

I thank the Senators, particularly those who took an active interest in this debate — the Opposition spokespersons, Senators Bannon and McCarthy, and on the Government side, Senators Brady and Kitt — and monitored the passage of the legislation through the House. I thank everybody who contributed to the debate. Although all sides did not always agree about the various points, they approached the debate with the aim of getting the Bill right. The numerous amendments from the Opposition were tabled in good faith and without political interest or intent. I have been happy to accept whatever amendments I could and deal with Members' concerns with a view to improving the legislation following our collective deliberations.

The subject of this Bill may not have been the most enthralling to come before the House in recent times. Nevertheless, it will be seen as an important piece of modernising legislation. In addition to updating the legislative code to underpin modern standards of service delivery, it gathers under one cover, for ease of access, all relevant provisions dealing with the delivery and supervision of water services.

The Bill paints a clear picture of the responsibilities of both service providers and consumers. It puts in place a robust planning and supervisory regime to ensure that services are delivered in accordance with the best modern standards. It also represents another milestone in the roll-out of the Government's regulatory reform agenda. The introduction of water services licensing will have a significant impact on the standard of water services delivery in rural areas, with benefits for consumers and group water schemes alike.

I did not have the opportunity to reply to Senator Bannon's reference to what Europe may do in the future. Our position is accepted by Europe and covered in the water framework directive. In the matter of conservation, I must point out that of the €4.4 billion being provided by the Government between 2000 and 2006, we will be providing €300 million for water conservation purposes. This reflects the importance of conservation. The problem of the loss through leakage of up to 50% of water being treated must be dealt with.

This legislation is of fundamental importance and replaces a venerable legislative code. Let us hope it proves to be as robust as its predecessor. I thank the Senators who took part in the debate and the officials from my own Department who have worked extremely hard and helped the passage of the legislation through the House. There were 104 amendments to be dealt with. The officials have been working on this Bill for a considerable time and it is a credit to them. Mar fhocal scoir, ba mhaith liom mo bhuíochas a chur in iúil do na Seanadóirí agus don Teach as ucht an suim a ghlac siad san mBille seo agus gabhaim buíochas leis na Seanadóirí a ghlac páirt san díospóireacht.