Jillian van Turnhout (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister and welcome him to the House. I have read the Bill carefully and listened to the Minister's open and constructive speech. Since my appointment to the Seanad in May 2011, I have taken my role as a legislator very seriously and voted with my conscience on an issue by issue basis. As I prepared for this debate, the Irish proverb, "I wouldn't start from here", sprang to mind, as it did for my colleague, Senator Fiach Mac Conghail whom I showed that I had also written it down. The flaws in the establishment of Irish Water, the arrogance of the Government and the Irish Water leadership and their complete mismanagement are not in dispute. However, the reality is that Irish Water exists; it is not going to go away, and the Bill, while it is not a panacea, addresses and provides remedies for a number of significant issues of concern.

My primary concern is the issue of public ownership. I want to ensure the water supply will remain in public ownership. I trust the people of Ireland and believe - I stress on a first reading - that section 2 provides the necessary safeguards in this regard. However, I am very conscious that my colleagues will be tabling alternative proposals and I will be listening to these proposals and making up my mind accordingly.

It is also welcome that when the Minister took office, he clearly stated no one's water supply would be could off. The Bill prohibits the disconnection or reduction of water supply to a dwelling because of an unpaid bill.

My colleague, Senator Fiach Mac Conghail, raised the issue of data protection. I share his concerns and question whether the Bill needs to go further. We need to ensure the PPS numbers are disposed of in an appropriate manner and to be assured that this has been done.

I believe in water conservation. That is where I first came to the issue of Irish Water and would have been a supporter of it. I believe in metering because it allows each of us to take individual responsibility for knowing what our water usage is and ensure we monitor it. Much of that water has been lost and as such, we will need to look at the issue again. As the Minister said, 49% of water is lost through leakages. He noted that 5% to 6% was lost on the customer's side.

I also welcome the Minister's commitment today that Irish Water will distinguish between those who will not pay and those who genuinely cannot pay. In the past week we have debated the Social Welfare and Pensions Bill in the House. I wish as many Senators had participated in that debate as are participating today because we have a long way to go in that regard. In recent years I was lectured about the importance of investing in services and supports, yet, at the first opportunity, we go back to cash transfers. There is an issue for us to look at. UNICEF has shown the impact of the recession on children in Ireland compared to those in other similar countries in the OECD. We need to integrate the Revenue and welfare systems if we are to understand what the level of household income is and how we can lift children out of poverty. That is not the issue before us today, but it is one I want to stress because the Minister will be sitting at the Cabinet table and when we have to take these decisions, that is where our priorities must lie. I do not believe the Water Services Bill will be the one that makes the difference for families. What makes the difference is having a fairer taxation system and investment in the provision of supports for children and their families to ensure they are lifted out of poverty.

I will be looking at each amendment tabled by my colleagues on its merits, but important steps are being taken in the Bill which I can support overall.