Colm Burke (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I see where Senator Ó Clochartaigh is coming from. Where there is a health risk, Irish Water has a legal obligation to make full disclosure.

In fairness, if it does not make a full disclosure, it walks a dangerous line because it must, at all times, keep and maintain records on water quality. These records must be made available if a person decides to enter litigation on a matter; therefore, it would be very risky for Irish Water not to make a full disclosure. I agree that there is a need for co-operation between all of the agencies involved. This legislation is not necessary at this stage because there is the legal obligation and it need not be written in stone. Local authorities previously ensured full disclosure on health risks. Much work has been done to improve water quality in recent years, but more needs to be done, which is why Irish Water is being set up as an entity separate from local authorities. It will work in a co-ordinated fashion, improving water quality across cities and counties. This issue is being dealt with in the correct manner.

Long ago every local authority tried to contribute to the building of the Cork to Dublin road, but nobody achieved much until the National Roads Authority was set up. Suddenly the Cork to Dublin road was quickly completed. Likewise, Irish Water means that a single, co-ordinated legal entity will deal with the development of water services in cities and counties. This is a welcome initiative.