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

I thank the Senators for the contributions from all sides of the House. While we have had a lot of time to discuss the amendments, given their nature I would have no difficulty going on all night because I believe this is very important. However, I accept the decision of the House. In particular, I believe the debate has helped inform accountability, which is what the questions that have been raised are all about.

I want to read what the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform said on this issue:

Irish Water was only recently established and another Bill is under way [that is this Bill] ... which will provide for a structured reporting mechanism to the Oireachtas and the regulatory authorities. That Bill will assign responsibility for economic regulation to the Commission for Energy Regulation, putting Irish Water in the same position as regards clarity and transparency in economic performance and conduct as, for example, the energy companies. In addition, up to 15% of households receive their water from privately operated group water schemes and some commercial enterprises source their own water supplied by private wells. Irish Water will operate in a highly regulated environment, closely monitored by statutory agencies. There are several layers of accountability and transparency envisaged in the legislation before the House. I believe Irish Water should come within the ambit of freedom of information. However, it is not ready to do this yet. I am proposing to exempt it with a view to including it when it is up and running.

I believe there is a commitment to include it once it is up and running, which will be from 1 January. However, it is the role of the Minister, Deputy Howlin, to deal with that specific issue, not my role. I am happy the Minister has said clearly he believes it should be under the Freedom of Information Act, and I believe that is the case. Tháinig na tuarimí a nochtaíodh anseo ó ghach taobh den Teach. Tuigim nach féidir le daoine cuidiú leis an mBille go hiomlán. Tuigim go bhfuil sé ar intinn ag cuid de na cainteoirí vótáil ina gcoinne agus go bhfuil sé ar intinn ag daoine eile vótáil ar a shon. Ba díospóireacht an-mhaith a bhí againn agus tá súil agam nuair a thiocfaidh mé ar ais sar i bhfad le Bille nua eile go mbeidh an méid céanna díospóireachta againn. Molaim an tSeanad mar gur féidir díriú níos fearr ar an mBille anseo.