There are approximately 150,000 homes throughout Ireland that receive their public water supply through lead piping, which is deemed unacceptable on health grounds. In the context of the proposed water services Bill, is it acceptable that the majority of these residents are now paying for water? When I question the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government on this, I am told that there are discussions between the Minister and Irish Water on the replacement of lead piping and the Minister has no responsibility or accountability to this House on it. Will the Taoiseach ensure that the Minister is accountable to answer why residents must pay for water that is coming through lead pipes that is deemed unsafe, and why the only solution on the table at present is to introduce into the water orthophosphate, another chemical costing €50 million a year? All 1.3 million customers in Ireland will have to drink this particular chemical to address the problem.

Deputy Naughten is well aware that one could not have implemented the solution to many of these problems under the old system. For instance, in east Galway and west Roscommon, the solution for the longer-term comfort of the people is to bring water from Lough Mask, and that was impossible under the old local authority system where it was based on county boundaries.

Irish Water has put forward solutions to the question of lead pipes. This is not acceptable. As Deputy Naughten will be aware, it has gone on for years for those in Galway, Limerick and other locations throughout the country. That is why the case is being made, not only to invest to fix but also to invest for the future. I will have the Minister respond to Deputy Naughten on the particular issue raised.