Paddy Burke (Fine Gael)

Will the Leader arrange a debate on public private partnerships and how they impact on local authorities with regard to water and sewerage services? The Department of Finance is now seeking a 20% contribution from local authorities with regard to capital grants for sewerage schemes. Quite a number of such schemes around the country have cost approximately €50 million. If one considers a town like Castlebar, where the scheme is costing €50 million, the local authority must come up with 20% of that figure, which is €10 million. That is a huge cost which must be borne by the ratepayers and by the commercial side. They will be levied with that figure. Some way forward must be found so it is a matter of urgency that a debate should be arranged on public private partnerships and how they will impact on local authorities in this regard.