Labhrás Ó Murchú (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Cuirim fáilte roimh an tAire Stáit anseo inniu. This is possibly one of the most important pieces of legislation that we are likely to debate in this House. After all, water is synonymous with life. One need only look at the array of glasses here and it also seems that water is important to democracy. That is why we must tease out all the issues that are coming before us. Nobody doubts the amount of work that has gone into the establishment of Irish Water. We are all prepared to admit up front that things are not as they should be. Whatever crises we had in the past, we may even have a worse one in the future. Nobody would ever thank us if we found we could not function in the midst of a drought. A national audit needs to be completed as well as the national network. I understand that the audit has not yet been completed so perhaps the Minister of State can explain that. Such an audit is vital to putting our minds at ease about any questions that might arise in this regard.

I listened to Senator Landy's contribution and I fully agree with him that it is vital to maintain the network that is already established, along with the existing expertise. Local input and responsibility are important because one can obtain answers when questions arise. It is important for people's well-being.

I have often questioned the concept of centralising the whole health system in the HSE. Why do we have so many debates on the HSE? With the old health boards one could always contact somebody if there was a life or death issue in the community. We have often seen cases of people awaiting heart surgery, yet nobody is taking account of them. I do not know how many Senators have direct lines to the HSE but I certainly do not. I can never find out who is responsible for what or get answers to questions, yet people's lives are at stake. I know of a case where a person died waiting for heart surgery. That is the result of centralising because what emerges is not a better system. That is quite clear. I accept that many new medical procedures have come about that did not exist years ago but I do not think the HSE has proved to be better than the health boards which preceded it.

Local authorities are democratically responsible, which is important. When local councillors finish their meetings, they may be questioned by members of the public outside who hold them to account. In dealing with water issues, I could go to the town sergeant in Cashel. I had his phone number and could ring him to explain if a problem arose, such as a leak. One had a contact and somebody responded almost straight away. Now we will have 500 people at the top and 400 other outreaches, but it is not a proven system. I accept that we must try it but we should be careful. Mr. John Tierney is one of the finest public officials one could hope to have. He has a proven track record, apart from the fact that he is a good Tipperary man.