Deirdre Clune (Fine Gael)

I welcome the Government's clarity yesterday on Irish Water and how it is to be set up. There is no confusion. Those who were misinformed in this area are actually creating the confusion. Tomorrow, the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Deputy Howlin, will be in the House so we can ask him about the proposed sale of part of Bord Gáis Éireann. I refer to the generation element, not the transmission element. This will afford Senator Leyden an opportunity seek clarification from the Minister directly.

Any of us who has been a member of a local authority knows well that what is proposed is badly needed. We need to ensure we have water of the same quality from Mizen Head to Malin Head and in our major cities. It was stated that 40% of water that is treated to a high standard of potability leaks from the system and this costs money. Therefore, we should all welcome the fact that the regulator will be involved and will decide prices rather than politicians or civil servants. The decisions will be made in an open and transparent fashion.

We are not taking money from the National Pensions Reserve Fund. It is on loan and the arrangement is over 20 years. The money will be refunded.