I have raised this issue on a number of occasions. Since 2016, a boil water notice has been in place in west Cork, affecting 9,000 customers. To buy bottled water costs between €500 and €1,000 per annum per household, when water should be free. It will be another two years before this issue will be resolved. I understand the UK is introducing a compensation scheme when this happens. The Minister, Deputy O'Brien, recently told me that he is considering such a scheme in this jurisdiction. Can the Minister report on further developments in the House today?

I know this is a very important issue affecting the Deputy's constituents. As Deputy Stanton has said, a €22 million upgrade is now underway at Whitegate water treatment plant. I understand it is due to be completed in 2026. I know 2026 is a long way away for up to 10,000 people who are affected by a boil water notice. I will raise the issue with Uisce Éireann to see if any mitigation measures can be put in place while the boil water notice is in effect. Any steps that can be taken to ensure the funded upgrade happens sooner will be taken. I fully understand the huge inconvenience and difficulty a boil water notice of this scale has on the people the Deputy represents.