Susan O'Keeffe (Labour) | Oireachtas source

As for the cost of Irish Water, I trust that certainty will be given for a number of years, that the level of charges will be affordable for people and that assistance will be given for those who cannot afford them. Such measures will show that the majority of people, who believed that something was not right and who went out and exercised their right to march, have been listened to because ultimately, there are billions of euro to be invested in the production of clean and healthy water in Ireland over the next ten years. It is not an exaggeration to state this will cost billions of euro.

There are already 40 towns, both small and large, that need real work done to their water infrastructure. Remedying the lack of investment in this infrastructure over the past ten years is what is at the heart of this debate. In light of what happened in this House about the debate on Irish Water and when the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Deputy Alan Kelly, has given his indication of his new package for Irish Water, it would be appropriate we invite back him back here - I hope he feels able to come back - so we can have a proper, full and uninterrupted debate in which we can give our views on what he has to say.