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

Notwithstanding the excellent legal opinion he has given us, and the significance of the legal brains involved, we are talking here about Irish Water, not the regulator. This is not a directive to the regulator; it is a direction in writing to Irish Water. During the initial years of its operation, Irish Water will be in receipt of substantial State funding. Moreover, the power relates to a direction requiring that Irish Water comply with any policies of the Government. This is not in conflict with the independent role of the Commission for Energy Regulation. The Senator also referred to directions to the CER, but these are dealt with in section 3.

I do not believe the Senator's concerns will apply in this particular case, notwithstanding the importance of the arguments he places before us. The law on all of this would have been studied by the Attorney General, who has signed off on this as meeting all the legal requirements and precedents. It is in this Bill having been proofed and stamped by the Attorney General.