Feargal Quinn (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I have some experience of customer panels - for about 40 years I spent almost every week of the year listening to customers talk, discuss, object and praise. I did not support the last amendment because there is a danger that any customer panel or forum can become a talking shop. If one appoints too many representatives to such a forum, they feel that they must represent their constituents and must have a say. I could easily see the customer consultative forum for Irish Water becoming a talking shop.

I was impressed by Senator Ó Clochartaigh when he spoke about his experience in the west of Ireland and by Senator Craughwell when he talked about Tralee. It seems that if we have not covered this area well enough, then there must be some facility to draw the attention of the public to a water quality problem when it occurs. On that basis, I have no problem supporting this amendment.