Water Charges

Wednesday, 6 April 2011

Questions (40, 41)

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

37 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans to impose water charges on domestic users. [6924/11]

View answer

40 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he has sought legal advice on whether the planned water charges model complies with the EU water directive. [6925/11]

View answer

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Deputy Fergus O’Dowd)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 37 and 40 together.

The Programme for Government includes a commitment to introduce a fair funding model to deliver reliable water services. The Programme also proposes the installation of water meters in individual households and introduction of water charges based on usage above a free allowance. My Department is currently preparing a strategy to implement these proposals, including legislation to allow for the introduction of domestic water charges. The advice of the Attorney General will be obtained on all aspects of the draft legislation before it is finalised.