Thomas Byrne (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

It is very specific. What the trade unions, the commercial water users and the householders want to know is why the Government pressed ahead with the metering programme despite being told by Bord Gáis, the experts in this area, that it was not necessary. Cui bono, who benefits? That is the question the public is asking.

The question the public is asking is why €500 million was spent on meters when the Government was told it was simply not necessary. The public water forum would certainly be willing to investigate this matter and to ask the question as to why that €500 million was spent into the ground. Not only were we told it was not needed two years ago, but the Government has acknowledged in the rest of this legislation by providing for a flat charge that it is not needed now either. We need a full response in the Seanad to that from the Minister this morning. It was not his decision but he is a representative of the Government and liable for the Government decision.