Sean Barrett (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I echo the comments of Senator MacSharry on Irish Water. Following 18 hours of debate in the Seanad, we have had two days of hearings on the issue. I compliment Deputies Michael McCarthy and John McGuinness on chairing the two committee meetings in question. After 30 hours of parliamentary time, we still do not know what will be the price of water or the generous free allowance. A culture has developed of ignoring what the Seanad says. Civil servants were seated behind the Minister during the 18 hours of debate in the House. They ignored what we said and do not want to answer parliamentary questions. They appear to be coached in avoiding answers when they appear before committees.

It seems that the electricity regulator is not the appropriate person to regulate a completely different sector, namely, water. Members ought to be aware that this week the water regulator in the United Kingdom has pointed out that the combination of high spending engineers and irresponsible bankers who will lend on the ability to tax people because everyone needs water has led to massive over-investment and serious financial difficulties in the water sector in the United Kingdom. I attended the first day of hearings and watched them on television last night and it is essential that Senators on the Government side seek the necessary intervention of the Comptroller and Auditor General in this area, that is, in the affairs of Irish Water and the manner in which the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government has been conducting itself in respect of both this and the other House. Old-fashioned public finances must be restored and Government Senators should pursue this because hauling in people at regular intervals and listening to deliberately obfuscatory answers from those concerned is not good enough. This organisation, the manner in which the Department has conducted itself, as well as the secret funds for county managers that emerged yesterday and were mentioned by Senator Marc MacSharry should all be placed under the control of the Comptroller and Auditor General because this, in turn, makes it responsible to the Committee of Public Accounts. Ever since it was set up, this has been an area in which there has been gross irresponsibility, as well as the manner in which Parliament is being treated. Members' electorates will not thank them unless they move on this issue now and I suggest it is time to bring in the Comptroller and Auditor General. Should such a move be made by the Government, I certainly would support it from these benches.