Seanad debates

Tuesday, 10 December 2013

Water Services (No. 2) Bill 2013: Committee Stage

 

5:30 pm

Photo of Trevor Ó ClochartaighTrevor Ó Clochartaigh (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I wish to raise some issues and concerns. This section is overriding the democratic mandate that has been given to local councillors. We were suggesting that, before the transfer of assets, there would be a vote by councillors. We were told there would be an enduring partnership and that Uisce Éireann would be working with local authorities, etc., but we feel the transfer will seriously diminish the role of the elected councils and all but eliminate democratic accountability.

Another issue raised about Uisce Éireann is that since it is a semi-state organisation, there will not be the desired input from elected representatives and accountability will be lost. Perhaps on Report Stage, the Minister of State will need to consider an amendment of some kind to address this. We might table something similar, if it is ruled in order, on the democratic accountability of Uisce Éireann.

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