Staying with the topic of Irish Water, is the Tánaiste aware of the earthy-smelling and poor-tasting water that is being supplied to homes and business in the south Dublin-north Wicklow area? I understand that complaints relate to supplies from the Vartry water supply plant, which serves customers in Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown, Dublin city and north Wicklow. Irish Water has assured the public that the water supply is safe and properly treated. It says the smell is harmless, however, and it is investigating the issue. I ask the Tánaiste - I am not assuming he has a note on this matter today - to furnish the results of that investigation and discuss it with the Minister concerned.

I am aware of the issue and I understand, and we all accept, that the water supply is safe in south Dublin and north Wicklow. Safe is not the same as high quality, however, and people have a right to expect water that is of high quality and does not taste bad or smell offensive. I do not know the story behind that or why it has happened but I will certainly get my office to make inquiries and see if we can provide a report to Deputy Devlin on it.