Michael Comiskey (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

There is a serious problem, as many people in Northern Ireland do not have water because of strikes, etc. In order to see what a publicly owned water utility can deliver, we only have to look at Scottish Water. We must support the progress that has been made in setting up the best water utility in the country. I take issue with Senator Craughwell in this respect. A family member travelled to work this morning under very difficult conditions to install water mains and meters, and that company adheres to all health and safety regulations. On the way to work here one morning, I saw a protester sitting on top of a mechanical digger arm; health and safety regulations were certainly being breached in that case. It is very important that we give the people out there who are trying to do their work every chance. In the long term it will be proven that this is the right way to go.

Senator White spoke about the quality of water and said that her business needs clean running water all the time. There are distilleries popping up around the country, including one planned in my neighbouring county of Sligo, which will also need a clean water supply. It is very important that we continue to support Irish Water into the future.