David Cullinane (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Yes. We tabled a number of amendments that have been ruled out of order, but I will speak to the section on our proposed alternative to Irish Water, namely, a national water sector framework team. The essence of our proposal was to ensure that we had local democratic responsibility for the provision of water, which is important, that water was delivered in the best way and that there was a collaborative approach between local government and the Department.

We are opposed to the centralisation of this function and would prefer to see it preserved within local government. I am a former councillor and many of us need to win support from within the local government system to enter this House.

Many of us who came through that system would have spoken on many occasions about the lack of powers in local government. There was a good and healthy debate only last week on the issue of local government reform so I will not rehash all of it. Many Senators from all sides spoke about the need to empower local government and councils, reversing a loss of power in local authorities. They argued that we must ensure local authorities have very real powers and functions and that is why we want to find the mechanisms that will keep provision within the local governance system and under the supervision of democratically elected local councillors. Local control and accountability is important.

I also share the concerns of SIPTU about the proposal to move 3,000 workers from their current positions in local authorities into a new utility. There will be negotiations and discussions between the trade unions and the Government on the matter but the issue is related to the weakening of local government by taking staff out of local councils. The staff, which could be doing other work, will be put into a new body, further weakening the ability of authorities to provide services that people need. We also share SIPTU's view that such a move would have serious implications for the future of local government, as I mentioned, and its ability to respond to emergencies at a local level.

Local authorities are accountable to communities and if we agree with the principle of subsidiarity, we should agree that we should, as much as possible, ensure that local authorities have as much power as they can handle and they can meet the basic needs of people. It is a bit peculiar that at a time when the Government is introducing a property tax or family home charge, with people being told this comes from a need to provide services, one of the core services provided by local government is being taken from the equation. Not only are people being asked to pay the charge, but there will also be water charges, despite the fact that water will no longer come under the remit of local government or councillors. It is a genuine and progressive view.

I understand that managing water is complicated, as there are health considerations, environmental concerns, consumer views, engineering issues and EU requirements. We must ensure there is long-term investment in water, and the best way to achieve this is through local government, with an assurance that local government has the tools to carry out the task. I have more to say but I know other Senators from Fianna Fáil wish to speak to the section. I also want to hear the Minister's thoughts. I may return to make some of the points I cannot make now but I imagine the Minister of State has the gist of what I am saying. This is about democracy, democratic accountability and ensuring that local government keeps as many powers and functions as possible. I will not be part of weakening the system of local governance as it would not be good for local democracy or the citizens of the State.