Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 November 2013
675. Deputy Luke 'Ming' Flanagan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if those who refuse to pay water charges will be sent to jail; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46264/13]
View answerThe 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. Irish Water will be provided with the power to charge for water services in legislation which is currently in preparation.
Irish Water will be required to have a range of options in place to assist householders who have difficulties in paying their bills. Affordability issues will be addressed by my Department, in consultation with other stakeholders, in the context of developing a water pricing framework. It is important to distinguish between people who cannot afford to pay and people who refuse to pay. It would be expected that Irish Water would pursue payment from customers who refuse to pay even when they have the financial capacity to do so, and a range of options will also be put in place to this end, as is normal practice with other utility service providers.
