Michael Mullins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I strongly support Senator D'Arcy in his call for a debate with the Minister for Justice and Equality, Deputy Fitzgerald, on new penalties and sanctions for those involved in cattle rustling. This activity is a new low in criminality. A pattern appears to be emerging in this regard. The stealing of cattle, sheep and other livestock would not be happening unless there was an outlet for them and I believe illegal abattoirs are also emerging in certain parts of the country. This crime may be linked in some way to that of petrol stretching and other illegal cross-Border activities. We need an open and forthright debate with the Minister in regard to this emerging criminal activity.

In regard to Irish Water, it must be made to work. While major issues must be sorted out, the company and concept of Irish Water must be made work in the interest of fixing a broken system. The system is broken because of 20 or more years of under investment in our water system. Last week, Senator Leyden mentioned the situation in Roscommon. I would like to offer him some good news, namely, that due to a significant investment made by the Government recently in water treatment plants in County Roscommon, the "boil water" notices will, hopefully, be lifted within the next couple of months and the situation will be rectified for once and for all.

I met some constituents over the past weekend who asked why I do not stand up in the Seanad and inform Members that people in rural areas in County Galway have been paying for their water for the past 30 years and are happy to do so in order to have a safe, reliable water supply at the right price. I believe there is an issue of equity in regard to water. Why should people in rural Ireland pay for their water, but people in large cities and towns get off scot free? There is a balance to be struck, but we need a system that works and is fair. We certainly need to sort out the issue of bonus payments for people who are paid to do a job well. Bonuses should not be part of the equation.