Yesterday, the Taoiseach said the Comptroller and Auditor General had the legislative remit to investigate the Siteserv deal. Doubts have emerged about whether the legislative template exists for the Comptroller and Auditor General to do so. I raised it on yesterday's Order of Business and the Taoiseach indicated that it did. I understand the Comptroller and Auditor General is not in a position to carry out such an investigation and I would like the Tánaiste to indicate whether it is the Government's intention to change the legislation regarding the Comptroller and Auditor General to enable him to investigate it. Alternatively, would the Government consider the simpler route, namely, the establishment of a commission of investigation, which has already been provided for under the 2004 legislation, and which would facilitate an expeditious and efficient investigation of the issue and the concerns about other large transactions which the civil servants in the Department of Finance articulated to the Minister in 2012? There is no clarity regarding what legislative template will be used for the issue.

Yesterday, the Taoiseach confused matters by mentioning the Comptroller and Auditor General. The Taoiseach did not seem to be well informed, although I might be wrong. It is important that we get clarity here about whether the Comptroller and Auditor General legislation allows for an investigation into the issue of how IBRC conducted transactions. The Chairman of the Committee of Public Accounts is very doubtful about it, as are other Deputies who have checked the legislation. This morning, Government spokespersons, including the Tánaiste, have spoken about some form of independent review and seem to be resiling from the proposal that the Comptroller and Auditor General would carry out the investigation. People do not want scoping exercises, but a very effective, expeditious investigation that will get to the bottom of it. Could the Government be more upfront about identifying the legislative template and the Government's commitment on it?

I have an open mind on exactly how such an investigation would be done, provided it is an independent review by a competent authority. I saw the reports from yesterday and the references to the Comptroller and Auditor General. I do not know whether additional legislative provisions would have to be brought in here to give the Comptroller and Auditor General additional powers. While an investigation by a commission is a possibility, the Government would have to discuss it and make a decision on it. While no decision has been made, the Taoiseach would like the matter inquired into and I have made it clear that I want an independent review by a competent authority. There are several mechanisms that could be used, including the mechanism the Deputy has outlined.

It is very clear that the Tánaiste is not keen on a full investigation. The Comptroller and Auditor General does not have the competence or authority to carry out what the Tánaiste is suggesting. Those are the words from the man's own mouth. The Tánaiste said she was not sure whether there would have to be a legislative change. She should be sure at this stage. It has been said repeatedly, including by the officeholder, that he has no remit whatsoever, high up or low down, in respect of IBRC, full stop. When does the Tánaiste propose to bring forward a motion establishing the investigative mechanism of which she speaks? I strongly urge that she use the 2004 legislation, which exists for this purpose.

I raise the water services Bill every week. Although I never get answers, hope springs eternal, to use a water metaphor. We are told the water services Bill will address outstanding issues reflected in the Government's water package in November 2014. This is jargon or a euphemism for provisions to deduct unpaid water charges from people's wages, welfare payments or pensions. For months, I have raised this proposal that the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government, Deputy Alan Kelly, has championed, and I have never received a straight answer. When will the legislation be published?

Before the Deputy asked me about the inquiry and examination review regarding Siteserv, Deputy Martin asked me the same question. I gave him an answer. I do not know whether Deputy McDonald listened to it. I said I had an open mind. I want a competent authority to carry out an independent review and there are a number of mechanisms by which it can be done and the Government will examine it.

When will the Government bring forward the motion?

I said this to Deputy Martin earlier, and I told Deputy McDonald, but she was in her "hunky-dory" world and I do not know whether she was listening to me.

The Tánaiste is just rude.

On the Bill to which the Deputy referred, I will give the answer I gave before, that the matter is under examination and discussion and I do not have a date for it.