Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

We are working under the rules of the Seanad rather than mine. I am happy to provide responses that are not allowed to be given now and will get the answers to Senators before Thursday, if I can. This is all about transparency and accountability and I am happy for it to be that way. We must work within the rules as we go through the sections.

Senator Trevor Ó Clochartaigh raised a question regarding the Irish Water consultative group, which comprises the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government, Uisce Éireann, local authority managers and local authority trade unions. It is chaired by an independent chairman from the Labour Relations Commission. The group agreed that the first service level agreements to be put in place between Irish Water and each local authority should be of 12 years duration, with two interim reviews after two and five years. The Bill, as published, does not specify a duration and the issue is still being considered by the Department in consultation with stakeholders. Amendments may be submitted on Report Stage. However, the duration of the agreements proposed by Sinn Féin is not considered appropriate, having regard to the agreement of the consultative group. Outside of this, there is room for further service level agreements should they be required and agreed after 12 years. The process is entirely flexible in that respect.

I do not wish to break the rules, but there is a new amendment No. 78. Although it does not mention it, it clarifies absolutely that there cannot be privatisation. When we get to the amendment, I will be happy to speak to the issue. The amendment has been added on Committee Stage as we consider, like everybody in the House, Irish Water cannot ever be privatised. This will copper-fasten the position in legislation and I hope Senators will be able to support the amendment.