David Cullinane (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I did not get that point. The body one contacts is irrelevant. It could be the ESB or a State body. Some State bodies will not accept a representation from a public representative and say it will only deal with the client or individual, especially if it relates to somebody's account. There are data protection laws around that, which is important. In those circumstances, I always get a letter from the individual to give me permission to talk to the body or bank concerned. I support the amendment but we must be conscious of the data protection element.

It is an important amendment. When Irish Water comes into being people will encounter difficulties in a range of areas. Somebody might get into arrears and although their water might not be fully cut off, some type of penalty or sanction will be imposed. In those situations people will go to their public representatives and we will have to make representations. It is a real concern, especially for councillors. It might be a smaller problem for Members of the Oireachtas, who have direct telephone numbers for most of the State bodies and so forth, but councillors certainly encounter this more often. I would welcome clarification on this from the Minister.