Water Charges

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 April 2012

Tuesday, 24 April 2012

Questions (442)

Dominic Hannigan

Question:

516 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will be consulting with disability groups to ensure that families who have children with severe intellectual disabilities are not penalised for their high water usage if their child disability is such that it requires a high level of water usage; if so, the way such a system will work; his plans on the way he will deal with families in this situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20375/12]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Phil Hogan)

The Memorandum of Understanding with the EU/IMF and ECB commits Ireland to introducing water charges for households. The objective of the water metering programme is to install water meters in households connected to the public mains and move to a charging system based on usage above a free allowance. The metering programme will commence prior to the end of 2012. I expect that the Regulator will address affordability issues, including in respect of persons with medical conditions, in consultation with my Department and the Department of Social Protection in the context of developing a water pricing framework.