Sean Barrett (Independent) | Oireachtas source

Section 20 states:

(1) The Minister may give a direction in writing to Irish Water, in relation to the performance by Irish Water of its functions under this Act, requiring it to comply with such policies of the Government as are specified in the direction.
(2) The Minister may, by direction in writing, amend or revoke a direction under this section (including a direction under this subsection).
(3) The Minister shall not give a direction under this section without first consulting the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources.
(4) Irish Water shall comply with a direction given to it under this section.

As always in these matters, the consumer is weak and the producer is strong. The other day I read the record of regulatory capture pointed to by eminent Nobel economics laureates. To protect the consumer we have a regulator.

The powers in section 20 allow the Minister to tell the referee what to do.