Michael Mullins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I will be brief. I agree with the Minister of State that the Bill provides for real openness and transparency. I wish all the utility companies would have as open and transparent a process in place. As Senator Barrett said, water is a vital commodity but it is a commodity that will need significant investment in the future to ensure continuity of supply.

Senator Cullinane and I have had some discussions privately about the fact that many people are paying for their water for years through group water schemes all over the country yet those of us who live in large towns with public sewerage and water systems are not paying a penny. There is an imbalance. We need a structure that is workable. I have every confidence that Uisce Éireann will be able to deliver. This Bill is worthy of support.

There is an opportunity for significant water harvesting and I hope at some future time that the Government will consider incentivising people to conserve water. In my view it makes no economic sense to give treated water to cattle or to use it for washing cars or watering lawns. This is an issue for another debate and I will not delay the House today.