David Cullinane (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I second the amendment. I will not go over any of the ground covered by Senator Ó Clochartaigh because he made eloquent points.

Section 7(5)(a) states the primary function of the forum which states: "to represent the interests of customers of Irish Water." I imagine the primary interest for most people is to get good quality drinking water and, therefore, it makes sense that a forum would recommend the issuing of public health notices.

The amendment tabled by Sinn Féin states that the forum should be able "to recommend" and a number of our amendments are along the same lines. It is doubtful we will get to Report Stage today but if we do we would submit an amendment that would change the Government's subsections (b), (c), (d) and (e) because they all mention that the forum can make comments and suggestions rather than recommendations. I ask the Minister to take our suggestion on board because the role of the board would be strengthened if it could make clear recommendations rather than just meeting and commenting on reports. The Minister and Bill mentions "comments and suggestions".

I second the amendment and support the comments made by my colleague, Senator Ó Clochartaigh. Go raibh maith agat.