Paudie Coffey (Waterford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I want to make it clear to the Senators and to reiterate that fully audited Irish Water accounts will be laid before both Houses of the Oireachtas for full scrutiny by whoever wishes to examine them. In addition, the Oireachtas joint committee can require Irish Water to appear before the committee to again discuss in full its accounts, structures and all its operational and capital expenditure.

I want to make one comment because some allegations were made against other semi-State utilities and the ESB, in particular, was mentioned. The ESB is of very high international repute and is recognised globally. I want to disassociate myself from some of the negative comments made with regard to its accounts.