Paul Coghlan (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister of State to the House and thank him for the overview of Irish Water which he provided to the House yesterday. It is good to know there will be ongoing liaison with people who are already involved in water services at local authority level nationally and that nobody's job is threatened. Water is a precious resource which is of great importance in our everyday lives. A great deal of concern has been expressed about people who will not pay water charges. While I do not have any time for people who will not or who do not want to pay, I have concerns for people who genuinely cannot afford to pay. The Minister of State has provided assurances that there will be a waiver scheme for people who are genuinely unable to afford the charges.

There is a great deal involved in the delivery of water. Reservoirs must be created and kept as free of pollution as possible. Water must be piped and treated. A great deal of money is invested in water before it comes out of one's taps. As Senator Denis O'Donovan said, the quality of water is important. Like Senator Maurice Cummins, I do not have any time for those who are campaigning against paying for water. Water services cost a fortune to provide. A great many people are involved at every level in local authorities to provide water services which are vital to public health and vitality. There is no excuse not to pay for it. I wish Irish Water well and look forward to the passage of the Bill on Committee and Report Stages. It is a good thing. We are going in the right direction in the way in which we deal with water.