Jim Walsh (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I commend the former Minister of State, Deputy Fergus O’Dowd, for his courage in making his statement yesterday on Uisce Éireann. It was crystal clear and echoed much of what had been articulated by Members on this side of the House during the debate on the establishment of Uisce Éireann. At the time I said it was incomprehensible that we would incorporate a water services provider under the auspices of Bord Gáis Energy. Bord Gáis has a very bad culture with regard to work practices, as I said to the Minister at the time and on which I gave him information. Excessive salary bonuses are paid in the organisation. I know people who worked in it - that is probably a misnomer - had a lot of time off for different reasons and came out with very handsome packages. The hard-pressed individuals who are trying to make ends meet should not be burdened with waste in Uisce Éireann with the already excessive salaries for consultants and the bonus culture. It was interesting that yesterday morning a spokesperson for Uisce Éireann defended-----