David Cullinane (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I do not support these amendments, but they raise an important question about capital projects and investment plans. Perhaps I am wrong and the Minister of State might correct me, but my understanding of commercial water rates is that they pay for the full cost of water in and water out. If it is the case that domestic users must eventually pay for the full cost, will the Government subvention for capital investment be reduced over time? Will there always be some level of Government subvention towards capital funding?

Many issues arise. In a number of our previous discussions with the Minister of State, he discussed the borrowings that Irish Water would undertake. Money will be acquired through various financing streams. Is it envisaged that the Government's investment in capital investment will eventually be reduced or removed and that the full costs will be passed on to others? That would be a concern.