Seanad debates

Thursday, 24 November 2016

Commencement Matters (Resumed)

 

10:30 am

Photo of Brian Ó DomhnaillBrian Ó Domhnaill (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for his excellent understanding of the matter. He is well aware of the issues. I acknowledge his sentiments and ask him to look at the difference between the reply to the parliamentary question asked on 7 October 2015 and the reply today. In October 2015, the former Minister, Deputy Alan Kelly, referred to the curtilage of the private property. The reply today refers to the boundary of the private property. If it were the curtilage of the private property, it would solve the problem. It would be like the situation where the water network is within the curtilage of the property and the responsibility of the property owner and thereafter Irish Water is responsible. If we could define it as just the curtilage of the property instead of the boundary, it would resolve matters because the boundary includes the whole estate and all those parts which are in charge.

A solution is urgently required. Having spoken to Irish Water, I believe it is very anxious to resolve the issue which has major implications for its good name. I am sure Irish Water does not want this to turn into a huge issue. I urge the Minister of State to find a resolution and to ascertain from the Department why there is a different response today to the one provided in the Dáil on 7 October 2015. The legislation has not changed in the intervening period but clarity is required. If it is possible, I ask the Minister of State to come back to me with that clarity when he has an opportunity. There is no rush.

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