Trevor Ó Clochartaigh (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

It does absolutely. It is about bringing the concerns of consumers around payments into the water forum. I suggest that type of issue will come forward. That is why it is important to include householders and commercial water users.

I raised an issue last week to which we did not get an answer which was that while the rates for domestic household use are being frozen, it was not known what was happening with commercial rates to 2019. I asked if there will be a fixed rate to 2019 and what the impact would be of water costs to businesses. The Minister might clarify that for us this morning.

There will be householders who represent group water schemes. Another question to which I have been seeking an answer is on the bulk buying that has been happening. People are saying those in group water schemes will not be affected by this, but of course they will. It will affect the price as they have been getting their water supply from local authorities. They have been getting a serious write-down in the case of most local authorities. There was a fixed rate in Mayo and Galway being paid by different group schemes for the bulk water they were buying from local authorities, but the Minister has not clarified for us what will happen in this scenario and whether the cost of group water schemes will increase. Householders representing group water schemes should be considered for the water forum as there are so many different stakeholders.

Obviously, trade union membership is near and dear to the Labour Party's heart. I cannot see why the Minister would have an issue with representation from trade unions to represent the rights of the workers. That is why we are proposing a cost-neutral amendment. It does not have a huge impact on the workings of the public water forum and can only enhance what is there already. Certainly, I hope the Minister will be able to take this on board in the light in which it is being put forward.