John Gilroy (Labour) | Oireachtas source

It is difficult to know how one can approve something in principle and object to it in practice, but we have had that from the Opposition all week. Some speakers have criticised the composition of the forum. The Minister will have powers to provide by regulation for the membership and composition of the forum. It is difficult to see how Sinn Féin could be opposed to the forum carrying out the following functions:(a) to represent the interests of customers of Irish Water; (b) to provide Irish Water with comments and suggestions in relation to the performance by Irish Water of its functions; (c) to provide the Commission with comments and suggestions in relation to the performance by Irish Water of its functions; (d) to comment on any policy document produced by Irish Water, when requested to do so in writing by Irish Water; (e) to comment on any consultation document produced by the Commission in respect of public water and waste water services, when requested to do so by the Commission; and (f) to carry out such other activities in respect of such other matters as the Minister by order specifies.