Ivana Bacik (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I wish to respond to something Senator Trevor Ó Clochartaigh said. Having review of the links between contaminated water and the carcinogenic effects on the population is a good idea. However, it is a different issue, one about which the Senator is clearly and rightly very passionate. I agree with him entirely and the debate on the amendment has been excellent.

As I said on section 7(5)(b), the customer consultative forum will have powers under the legislation, as it is set out, to provide comments and suggestions for Irish Water on the performance of its functions in respect of water safety and other matters. It may not have the power to provide recommendations, as mentioned by Senator Trevor Ó Clochartaigh. I should have pointed out that section 7(5)(f) allows the forum to have a more general function "to carry out such other activities in respect of such other matters as the Minister by order specifies". Clearly, a ministerial order could have the effect of requiring the forum to go further and make recommendations on water safety, if necessary.