Vol. 559 No. 2
186 Ms M. Wallace asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the counties which charge water charges to primary schools; the amount which is charged to primary schools in each county; the counties which have exemptions specifically attached to primary schools with regard to water rates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26003/02]
The national water pricing policy framework requires local authorities to recover the cost of providing water services from the users of these services, with the exception of households using the services for domestic purposes. In this regard the policy framework provides for the metering of all non-domestic users by 2006. This is in accordance with an appropriate application of the polluter pays principle and the requirements of Article 9 of the EU Water Framework Directive. It builds on the already widespread practice of charging for water services. The framework does not provide for the exemption of non-domestic users, including those engaged in the provision of educational services, from the charging policy.
My Department is working closely with local authorities on the implementation of the policy by 2006 but does not collect detailed information on the number and type of water services customers at any given time.
