The delivery of crucial water infrastructure by Uisce Éireann has been nothing short of a systematic and utter failure. How anyone in this Government can stand here and sing its praises is beyond comprehension. It is an absolute disgrace that, in 2026 in a supposedly First World European state, thousands of families across Carlow and Kilkenny are forced to endure Third World conditions. They pay their taxes in full yet are left with a water infrastructure that belongs in the past. How can the Minister stand over the cartel-like behaviour of Uisce Éireann's contractors? Just five years ago, installing two concrete rings cost between €5,000 and €7,000; today the same contractors charge nearly €40,000. A burst main used to cost €1,600; now it is between €9,000 and €10,000. If they lay one metre of concrete, they get paid for seven. They have vans driving around supposedly looking for leaks; in reality, it is a game of hide and seek for €1,600 per day. I am getting reports of contractors communicating with each other to drive up quotes as much as possible. As I said, it is cartel-like behaviour. The list goes on and on. What is happening is nothing short of daylight robbery. It is theft of taxpayers' money. We must be clear in the Dáil today that what these contractors are getting away with is criminal. The conduct of and absence of accountability for Uisce Éireann and its handing out of contracts are a scandal waiting to break. As is typical of Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael when it comes to public money, they squander and waste it, with little accountability until a scandal finally forces their hand. There needs to be a full review carried out into these contractors and the millions being squandered.

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