Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 16 January 2014
202. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if the report of the water services affordability group has been completed; if so, when he plans to publish same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1907/14]
View answer216. Deputy Peter Mathews asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if additional free water allowances will be given in cases (details supplied), when water charges are introduced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2081/14]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 202 and 216 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. An inter-departmental working group has been established to advise the Government on the appropriate method for addressing water poverty and water affordability issues which may arise with the introduction of domestic water charges. The group will examine the issues arising for those with specific medical conditions, which require high water usage, in the course of its work.
The group comprises my Department and the Departments of the Taoiseach, Social Protection, Public Expenditure and Reform and Finance. The group will submit a final report for consideration by Government when it has completed its examination of the issues involved. This will allow for decisions on the proposed approach to be taken in advance of proposed public consultation by the Commission for Energy Regulation on the approach to the design of domestic water tariffs during 2014.
