Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail)

I meant it in a most jocose manner and it should not be taken too seriously. I call on the Minister to outline the situation regarding the fact there is no legislative backdrop to granting the national water authority to Bord Gáis. Bord Gáis is up for privatisation. Will all of the water schemes throughout Ireland and the assets built up by local authorities while providing an excellent water service form part of its assets? The company will have all of the assets and if it is privatised they will go to private hands with no limitations on the charges. At present farm families pay water rates. The Minister does not seem to be aware there is an exemption of 48,000 cu. m. for a domestic house after which the charge is €1.22 per cubic metre.