Kathleen Lynch
Ceist:153 Ms Lynch asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if the Government is considering the reintroduction of water charges; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2379/03]
Written Answers. - Water Charges.
Bernard Allen
Ceist:155 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if he proposes to introduce a new household water charge. [2401/03]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 153 and 155 together.
Water charges for non-domestic users of water services are envisaged under legislation and are widely established. It is Government policy to bring greater uniformity to those regimes by requiring that non-domestic users meet the costs of providing them with water services on a metered basis by 2006. The Local Government (Financial Provisions) Act 1997 precludes the charging of domestic users of water services and there is no proposal for amendment of this provision.