Deborah Erskine MLA said:
“This investigation has cost the Department thousands of pounds and has ultimately amounted to little more than a whitewash. The issues raised are nothing new – spending pressures and resource budget challenges have been well known and widely discussed for some time, particularly in relation to NI Water.
There have been ongoing discussions between the Department and NI Water long before this report was commissioned, so the idea that the challenges here are some kind of revelation simply does not stack up.
What we need to see are credible plans to address these challenges, not vague commentary. The Minister must now get to grips with the matter, return to the Assembly and outline, following meaningful engagement with NI Water, exactly how she intends to ensure financial targets are met and essential services protected. Warm words and costly processes will no longer cut it.”