Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 September 2021
342. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he plans to conduct a plebiscite to ensure that the water supply infrastructure remains in public ownership; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46250/21]
View answer348. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will have the issues outlined in correspondence (details supplied) considered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46377/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 342 and 348 together.
The Government published a Policy Paper entitled Irish Water - Towards a national, publicly-owned, regulated water services utility in February 2021 setting out our views and expectations on the next phase of transformation in the water sector, to involve the integration of water services operations within Irish Water's organisation structure.
The matter of a referendum on water ownership is under active consideration at present in the context of the ongoing engagement with ICTU and the relevant affiliated unions on water sector transformation in line with the Government Policy Paper.
