SDLP East Derry MLA has called for the water industry to be properly funded.

He was speaking ahead of the Final Stage of the Water and Sewerage Services (Amendment) Bill in the Assembly.

Mr Dallat said: "This Bill makes financial provision for the vital services until 2015. However, it is a temporary arrangement which does not face up to the fact that we have an industry which is badly in need for reform. Historically the industry has suffered from gross underinvestment particularly during the dark days of the troubles when public finances were directed towards security.

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"In more recent times the industry has featured in the public eye for all the wrong reasons so from that point of view there is now stability for at least a couple of years.

"In the longer term there must be greater accountability and continuous reinvestment so that we continue to provide the highest quality of water and protect the environment with the best means of dealing with sewerage disposal. We need to avoid infraction arising out of EU Regulations which will impose tighter and tighter conditions on how we deal with this service.

"It is our view that the best model for the future is mutuality because it addresses the key issues of accountability, reinvestment and gives people a real say in a vital service which impacts on each and every one of us. The SDLP strongly supports the concept of co-operatives and look with pride at the achievements accomplished by the co-operative movement not just in the past but today as we speak when there is a record number of co-operative coming into existence to create employment, provide vital services and allow our people a say in the ownership and running of these wonderful organisations."

(CD/GK)