Denis Landy (Labour) | Oireachtas source

Many of the issues that were raised here at that time have been dealt with. We have made the whole billing system simpler. We have also dealt with a concern I expressed when the legislation was discussed last year. I refer to the extent to which the service provider could be contacted by the public and by elected representatives at local level, namely, councillors. I have to say it started off extremely badly. When I checked with a number of councillors across the country this morning, all of them told me that the level of service from Irish Water is excellent now. Responses to e-mails are being received on the same day. Work is being carried out within days of representations being made. That was a major issue for me and for elected councillors across the country after this responsibility was removed from the local authorities. That has been dealt with very well. I commend the Minister. I know he put personal work into that because I discussed it with him on several occasions.

The removal of PPS numbers, which is a major concern for reasonable people in this country, is an issue that will be dealt with as a result of this legislation. We have dealt with their reasonable and fair concerns by removing the appropriate provision from the Bill. I would like to compliment the Minister again. I have given him so many compliments today that he will be getting a little concerned.