Réada Cronin (Kildare North, Sinn Fein)
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215. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government when a referendum on the public ownership of water services will be held; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45582/24]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail)
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Public ownership is a core principle governing the development of water services and the Government has given its full commitment to holding a referendum on ownership of water services. It should also be noted that the establishment of Uisce Éireann in public ownership is already firmly secured under the Water Services Acts 2007 to 2022.

I have previously committed to bringing forward a referendum proposal on public ownership of water services for consideration by Government in conjunction with the recommendations in respect of a proposed referendum on housing – this remains the intention.

The Housing Commission has submitted its report and recommendations to me regarding a proposed constitutional amendment. In reaching its conclusions, the Commission examined inter alia the range of complex constitutional questions arising. It undertook a comprehensive consultation, researched international experience, evaluated various proposed wordings and considered other critical factors involved with introducing an amendment to the Constitution.

I am currently considering the Commission's comprehensive analysis and report, and have approved the establishment of an inter-departmental group to advance proposed wording for a referendum on the public ownership of water services as per previous Government commitments, with a Memorandum to be brought to Government in due course.