David Cullinane (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I move amendment No. 63:

In page 22, between lines 16 and 17, to insert the following:

“(c) must have support of both Houses of the Oireachtas,”.

This is again about democratic oversight and accountability. No money or grants should be provided to Irish Water without the approval of both Houses of the Oireachtas. It is not good governance that the Minister would have sole discretion when it comes to the provision of money or grants. We believe that the democratically elected representatives of both Houses should also have a say. Ultimately this is public money and we are the guardians of money. We should have the final say when public money is being given to Irish Water. Our amendment seeks to strengthen democratic accountability and recognise the role responsibility of Members of the Seanad and Dáil in giving public money to Irish Water.