Malcolm Byrne (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for her honesty, as always. It speaks to a bigger issue with Uisce Éireann. A number of us have had problems with the lack of communication before. Of course people do not want to drink water that is contaminated with cryptosporidium, but they want at least to be informed as to what is going on and have an alternative water supply made available. The behaviour of Uisce Éireann in this matter has been appalling in regard to its lack of communication with residents in the area. Of course it has to prioritise health and safety but it needs to communicate with people. I worry because this is not the first time something like this has happened. What is happening in Ferns could happen somewhere else. Uisce Éireann needs to learn to be responsive to the needs of the people in the community.