David Cullinane (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I reiterate the point I made in respect of earlier amendments and sections with regard to the role of local government and the powers of local government being removed. I am interested in what Senator Landy said regarding the commitment the Minister of State gave on Second Stage in respect of establishing a link between councils, elected local representatives and Irish Water. As the Minister of State is aware, I am concerned that removing the service is, in the first instance, a retrograde step. Leaving that aside, I am willing to listen to what he has to say. Perhaps he might explain what will be the exact nature of the link. I would argue that once the service is removed, whatever link remains will not be as strong as that which exists at present under the local government model. That is my view but I am interested in hearing the Minister of State's comments on the point made by Senator Landy regarding what has already been taken on board and on how everything will work in practice.