Brian Ó Domhnaill (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

In terms of the policy issue of Irish Water, it is right that we should reflect on it in a cool, rational and calm manner. I welcome the steps that have been taken by the Government. The steps represent progress even though I disagree with them.

The fundamental issue, irrespective of water charges and bringing down the cost over four years, is the establishment of Irish Water and its objectives going into the future. Those objectives will lead to some form of privatisation in terms of bonds or bringing in private equity. That will see the same situation arise which has happened in other jurisdictions, including England. I refer to a monopoly being privatised and no longer being in the control of the people which is a dangerous scenario. That issue will not go away despite promises being made and enshrining it in legislation. The county councils are the best method of delivery. The way forward is to use the councillors and the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government and have something enshrined in a Department.

In terms of the cost of water, we have heard people say no one should pay for water. People already pay for water so the debate should be about the way we pay for it. We already pay €1 billion for water through the taxation system. We need to debate how we pay for water, who controls the supply of water and who to call if we want pipes fixed. In ten or 15 years time we may have to contact a call centre in China to get a leak repaired in west Cork or Donegal. That is a scenario which should have been prevented but was not prevented by the announcements made yesterday.