I commend the former Minister of State, Deputy Fergus O’Dowd, for his courage in making his statement yesterday on Uisce Éireann. It was crystal clear and echoed much of what had been articulated by Members on this side of the House during the debate on the establishment of Uisce Éireann. At the time I said it was incomprehensible that we would incorporate a water services provider under the auspices of Bord Gáis Energy. Bord Gáis has a very bad culture with regard to work practices, as I said to the Minister at the time and on which I gave him information. Excessive salary bonuses are paid in the organisation. I know people who worked in it - that is probably a misnomer - had a lot of time off for different reasons and came out with very handsome packages. The hard-pressed individuals who are trying to make ends meet should not be burdened with waste in Uisce Éireann with the already excessive salaries for consultants and the bonus culture. It was interesting that yesterday morning a spokesperson for Uisce Éireann defended-----

Does the Senator have a specific question for the Leader?

I do not think there is any point in bringing the Minister of State to the House to discuss this issue. It was a creature of Fine Gael.

As well as of the Labour Party.

I would like to see the Minister responsible, the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Deputy Alan Kelly, come to the House for a proper debate on the matter. If control is not exerted now, people will not only pay for their water in the future but also for the excesses the elite fortunate enough to work at the top of this organisation will enjoy.

The Senator is way over time. These are points he can make in the debate.

That is not good enough. People’s pension pots have been raided. They are being pressured and facing difficulties. We need to have a debate on this and a range of other issues.

The Senator is way over time.

I hope the Leader agrees that it is time the Government and public representatives on both sides of the House represented the people and not the elite who happen to be in positions of authority.