Michael Mullins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

We have many deficiencies in our water systems throughout the country. In 42 urban areas, sewage is discharged into rivers and bathing waters, thereby putting them at risk of pollution.

We need significant investment. I hope that the considerable increase in the number of people who have registered with Irish Water in recent days will continue. Irish Water needs to succeed. It needs to raise finance so as to invest in our water infrastructure. Every town and village is entitled to an adequate water supply. The charge of €260 per household and the conservation grant of €100 accruing to each registered household have addressed many people's aggravations.

Just as I would condemn poor workmanship, I condemn in the strongest possible way the level of intimidation and abuse that some Irish Water employees have endured while installing meters. It is unacceptable. I ask those involved in organising protests of and opposition to the water charges to desist from any involvement in the intimidation of employees who are just going about the work for which their employers have been contracted.

I appeal to every Senator to get behind the new utility. The time for politics on this issue is over. The football has been sufficiently kicked around the place. We all need to ensure that Irish Water succeeds. We should encourage people to register so that they do not lose out on the conservation grant or, most importantly, incur penalties. People who were advised not to register for septic tank charges found themselves paying ten times as much as they would have had they not listened to poor advice. I hope that those responsible for that poor advice will not continue giving it out in this instance.