Kathryn Reilly (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I missed the first part of the debate and the Minister's explanation, so I apologise if I mention things that have already been dealt with. I have some questions that might not be related to the amendment. This amendment refers to the legislation which allows a subsidiary to borrow money, and the interest and the capital could end up being repaid by the Exchequer. With regard to metering and the money going to the subsidiary, do we know what metering will cost? If the taxpayer will be giving more money to the subsidiary as it is needed or if more money is needed because of the borrowings, how will the additional revenue be raised? One of my fears is that Government accountability will hide behind the Irish Water subsidiary. In the case of the HSE, for example, in many cases we do not have ministerial accountability for the HSE, and I fear this subsidiary would be used in the same manner.

Some of my other concerns about this have already been raised by other speakers so I will not repeat them. However, perhaps the Minister would discuss metering and if the subsidiary needs additional money, how that money will be raised.