Damien English (Meath West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Let me reassure the House that Irish Water will remain in public ownership as long as this Government is in office. Given the strong views of most parties and the Independents on this issue, I would be very surprised if any future Administration adopted an alternative policy. However, people think it could be privatised tomorrow. It actually cannot and will not be. I can assure Members of that and I will set out the reasons.