Paddy Burke (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I was astounded to hear what Senator Colm Burke said about the joint committee. It should be remembered that a joint committee cannot meet unless it has a quorum which includes at least one Senator. It could only be ignorance for any Deputy to raise an issue in the fashion described.

I support Senator Lombard's request for a debate in the House in the new year on Irish Water. The time is right to have a debate on the company's progress and how it is functioning. Are there efficiencies to be made and can more be done? What is the company doing on the ground to extend group water schemes and sewerage and water facilities in small and medium-sized towns? There is then, of course, the issue of the proposal to bring water from the River Shannon to Dublin. We could have a worthwhile debate on all that in the new year. It is a number of years since water services were separated from local authorities and it would be useful to see how Irish Water is progressing. I ask the Leader to arrange an early debate on the issue in the new year.