I propose taking Questions Nos. 461 and 462 together.
The Programme for Government sets out a commitment to the introduction of water charges based on usage above a free allowance. The Government considers that charging based on usage is the fairest way to charge for water and it has, therefore, decided that water meters should be installed in households connected to public water supplies. The Water Services Act 2013 provides for the establishment of Irish Water as an independent subsidiary within the Bord Gáis Éireann Group and assigns the necessary powers to allow Irish Water to undertake this metering programme. As part of the metering programme, my Department, in conjunction with Irish Water, is currently working on a proposal regarding customer-side leakage; implementation arrangements have yet to be worked out with Irish Water and are not yet available.
Arrangements for the group water sector will be addressed in the Water Services (No. 2) Bill 2013 which is currently being drafted by the Office of the Attorney General. My Department will remain responsible for the overall policy and funding of the non-public water sector, including the group water sector and the local authorities will continue to be responsible for the supervision of the sector. Over the past decade, substantial improvements have been made in the group water sector, reflected in improved infrastructure and management and leading to greater compliance with drinking water standards. This has been accomplished through a partnership approach between my Department, the local authorities and the group water sector itself, with the important involvement of the National Federation of Group Water Schemes. This co-operative approach will be maintained as the reform of water services provision is progressed.