Deputy Charlie McConalogue
Deputy Charlie McConalogue says the decision by Joe O’Toole to stand down as Chairman of the Water Commission is the correct one.
The Inishowen Deputy said while there is no doubt that Joe O’Toole is a man with a strong record in public service, his comments following his appointment undermined his position, making it untenable.
“There have been few more contentious issues in politics in recent years than the issue of Irish Water, and the botched water charging regime that it introduced.
“This was why Fianna Fáil fought to secure the suspension of water charges and for the Dáil to further decide on the issue following an assessment by an independent commission.
“We did so because it was clear to us that there is a massive task in building consensus around water policy and the question of how we invest in our water network as a country. There needs to be a clear assessment of all the options available so that the Dáil can then democratically decide on how the issue is moved forward.”
He added that Fianna Fail are determined that the Commission process must be above reproach and is demonstrably fair and impartial in how it does its business.
“The Government must now move to appoint a new Chairperson, who will approach the issue with an open mind and will engage on the question of how we invest in water in an independent and impartial way.”
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