I raise the issue of Irish Water officials refusing requests from local authority officials and elected representatives to attend their meetings in order that they might answer questions on serious issues such as lack of supply, long-term boil water notices and discolouration, to name but a few. The only reason Irish Water is being asked to attend is because it is not answering questions and is not giving clarity at all, even at its clinics. In the past few months, councillors in Louth, Mayo, Galway, Cork, Tipperary and elsewhere requested that representatives of Irish Water come before them. They have all lambasted Irish Water for its lack of accountability. This time next year, full responsibility for water services is transferred to Irish Water, there will be no accountability whatsoever because local authorities will have no input. Does the Tánaiste agree that Irish Water should continue to refuse requests to attend local authority meetings in order to discuss serious issues relating to supply, etc.? Is he happy with what is happening? How does he plan to rectify matters?

Irish Water has received significant resources to invest in water supply across the country. That is something the Government has committed to. There is always a balance. It all depends on the context. For example, I do not believe that representatives of Irish Water should attend council meetings. I do not see the purpose of that, but they should meet local authorities through the relevant committee. There should be consultation with officials and elected representatives, but this should be done at more work-like meetings as opposed to council meetings, where people just get up and launch attacks and no one is any the wiser when it is all over. There should be more engagement. I engaged with Irish Water on a very controversial issue some years back. I found the consultation very useful. An independent mediator was appointed to deal with various water schemes that have now all been completed and that have brought great benefits. Originally, those schemes were opposed because of issues relating to construction and so on.

That is not happening which is why I raised it.

I am just saying that when it happens it can work and I found it to be very useful on that occasion. I would welcome that. Irish Water should engage.