Martin Conway (Fine Gael)

Over 50% of water in this country is wasted. Water is a scarce resource and children in this world would die to get water today. They are dying because they are not getting water. We need a mature debate on water services. It is ridiculous that households do not pay for water services given that businesses and farmers have been paying for them for years. I welcome that the Minister, Deputy Hogan, and the Government are finally introducing a system whereby there will be a proper, efficient water service. The establishment of a water authority is extremely welcome.

Aung San Suu Kyi, the Burmese opposition leader, has been invited and has agreed to visit England. Her visit might be an opportunity for this House to invite the opposition leader in Burma-----