Paudie Coffey (Waterford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

We have debated this section quite considerably. I have outlined what is a sustainable model that will attract investment in our Irish water system and infrastructure, which we all agree is a vital resource. I repeat that we have put our cards on the table in respect of how we intend to establish it, how it will work and how we will fund it. It is essential that any Government shows responsibility and leadership in this regard. I know it is quite unpopular to impose what we are doing at the moment.

I am convinced that over time people will see that this is the proper thing to do to sustain and protect our natural resources, especially water.

Senator Cullinane asked me questions about poverty proofing. I tell him straight that the Government has done everything in its power to keep these costs as low as possible to make them as affordable as possible and to establish certainty to allow people to budget for a water infrastructure they can use. If we fail to invest in this, those same people will not thank us where there are boil-water notices, water restrictions and the capacity issues experienced by Dublin city last year continue. Last year, Dublin was at maximum capacity. We must stand up here and be straight with each other. I have no problem with constructive debate as Senator Cullinane knows, but we must say where the money and investment are coming from and how we propose to spend. The Government has been very clear in all of this.

To address some of the other issues the Senator raised, the Government is very conscious that people have gone through a very difficult time. It is only from January onwards that people will start to see money coming back to those same citizens who have made huge sacrifices to save this country. That is recognised by all of us. The Government's initiative to introduce a conservation grant is to address the very issues Senator Cullinane raises around affordability. He and many other Senators are opposed to the payment of the €100 conservation grant.