Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)

I am delighted to inform the Senator that as recently as last year, I argued long and hard at a UN session about the criminal folly of the idea that some of the largest corporations in the world might provide water or waste water treatment services out of the goodness of their hearts to the people of the developing world. I pointed out — a Kenyan minister who was present was extremely interested in what I had to say — that the best model I had ever seen of communities taking charge of this resource was that which relates to the Irish group water system. This is an idea that we could and should export. I stated at the conference to which I refer that in Ireland people have ownership of the resource and that relatively simple systems have been put in place.

Countries such as Ireland that are making development contributions could contribute in this regard. I agree with Senator Ryan that one thing is certain, namely, that if the mega-operators establish operations in countries in sub-Saharan Africa and other developing nations, the water systems will work while they are present but six months after they leave their complex technologies behind they will begin to break down. The people will be worse off as a result because not only will they not have water, they will also be burdened with debt. I agree with the Senator that there should be a consistency in our approach to this matter.