John Whelan (Labour)

With the indulgence of the Cathaoirleach, it would be remiss of me not to pay a small tribute and express my condolences to the family and colleagues of Mr. Aengus Fanning. I worked at the Sunday Independent for a time and he was one of the country's most influential figures in journalism. He was a towering figure over the past 30 years and a man who, in his work, probably vexed as many people as he pleased. On a personal level, he was a very decent, kind and compassionate man and a great champion to have in one's corner. I thank the Cathaoirleach for giving me the opportunity to say that.

The substantive issue I raise is not to criticise any Government Minister or complain but to commend the Minister, Deputy Hogan, for his insight and foresight in initiating a six-week consultation process around the entire country on the establishment of a new Irish water utility. Everyone who has a view on this matter, such as environmental, agricultural, community and residential groups and corporate bodies, should all take the opportunity to participate in this process because it will be one of the most profound and important decisions the Government will make. We have until 24 February to make submissions.

We need to ensure that we have a safe and sustainable supply of water at an affordable price. I do not believe in and will profoundly protest against any move to set up a new quango with the new chief executive. This country has enough chief executives. The role of Irish water should be afforded to an existing semi-State authority that has the skill sets, capacity and capability to hit the ground running and provide water for the country for commercial, residential and agricultural use into the future. We are the only country in the developed world that does not have a water utility and, according to the OECD, that does not charge for water.

I ask the Leader if, over the course of the next six weeks, the Minister, Deputy Hogan, as part of the consultation process, could afford the House an opportunity to feed into the decision-making process and give Senators a chance to have their say. If he is to consult with everyone it is vital that the Seanad has a say on this matter. To be fair to the Minister he has come before the House many times but I ask him to come and hear the views of all sides on the significant decision the Cabinet will make in the next couple of months.