Caít Keane (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Privatisation was mentioned. I am delighted the utility will remain a public resource, as the Minister has stated. This has been accommodated and the utility will be accountable to the Oireachtas. This was outlined last October in the Department?s water sector reform implementation strategy, which includes a section that addresses the joint committee?s 2012 report on water provision.

It was also stated in the implementation strategy that all profits from Irish Water should be ring-fenced and re-invested to ensure there is a re-invigorated, sustainable, clean water supply and water infrastructure, and that it is highly regulated to guarantee excellent quality for the consumer. This is commendable and is a positive step in the development of our nation's water provision. The Government must be credited with honouring the commitment it made in the programme for Government, where it stated it was establishing a new water utility, which is what we are doing here today.

The decision to re-organise the delivery and funding of the water sector, including through the establishment of the new water utility, can be traced to a number of key policy documents. Will you please listen to this, Senator?