Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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567. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government if Irish Water will be privatised in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40074/14]

Alan Kelly (Tipperary North, Labour)
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The Water Services Act 2013 provides for the establishment of Irish Water as a subsidiary within the Bord Gáis Éireann Group (which has now been renamed Ervia). Section 5 of the Act also sets out the share structure of Irish Water, providing for one share to be allocated to Ervia and for the remaining shares to be issued equally between the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government and the Minister for Finance.

The Water Services (No. 2) Act 2013 provides for the transfer of responsibility for the delivery of water services from the county and city councils to Irish Water. Section 46 of this Act provides for amendments to section 5 of the Water Services Act 2013 and it precludes the three above-mentioned shareholders of Irish Water from alienating the shares issued to them.  Accordingly, the privatisation of Irish Water is barred by statute.