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Water Charges Introduction

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 4 March 2014

Tuesday, 4 March 2014

Questions (253, 258, 260, 287)

Seán Fleming

Question:

253. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if the Consumers Association of Ireland have a role in relation to the protection of customers and the quality of water services provided by Irish Water; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10872/14]

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Michael McGrath

Question:

258. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if persons living in hard-water areas or areas with high levels of manganese will be expected to pay the same water charges as those living in areas with no issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10213/14]

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Terence Flanagan

Question:

260. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if there will be any exemptions from water charges for persons living with illness or disability where increased water usage is necessary due to their medical condition such as frequent washing or toileting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10259/14]

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Seán Fleming

Question:

287. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if the acting South Tipperary county manager (details supplied) is employed on any contractual basis or in any way, either part time or full time, with Irish Water; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10871/14]

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Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 253, 258, 260 and 287 together.

The Programme for Government includes a commitment to introduce 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 (No. 2) 2013 provides for the transfer of water services functions from the local authorities to Irish Water. The Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) has been established as the new independent economic regulator for Irish Water. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is responsible for environmental regulatory matters in relation to Irish Water.

Under the European Communities (Drinking Water) Regulations 2014, which I signed last week, suppliers of drinking water are required to ensure that the water supplied is wholesome and clean. Water which is wholesome and clean is defined as water which is free from any micro-organisms and parasites and from any substances which in numbers or concentrations constitute a potential danger to human health, and which meets the quality standards specified in the Schedule to the Regulations. Hard water is not included as a parameter in the quality standards specified in the Regulations, as it does not pose as a threat to human health. An indicator parametric value of 50 micrograms per litre is set out in the regulations for Manganese. In the event of the parametric value being exceeded, the water supplier will investigate the cause and, in consultation with the EPA and, if a potential risk to human health may exist, the Health Service Executive, ensure that the appropriate remedial action is taken. The EPA is the supervisory authority with responsibility for monitoring Irish Water’s compliance with the regulations.

The 2013 Act requires the CER to perform its functions in a manner that best serves the interests of the customers of Irish Water. This is similar to the CER’s statutory role in respect of the gas and electricity sectors. I fully expect that the CER will consider compliance with statutory standards by Irish Water in fulfilling its functions.

The CER will be responsible for approving the water charges plans prepared by Irish Water, and for approving codes of practice to be prepared by Irish Water. The codes of practice will cover matters such as the standard of performance, by Irish Water, of its functions and billing by Irish Water of persons in respect of water services provided; the provision of information by Irish Water to its customers; and the making of complaints by its customers. In discharging its functions, the CER may consult with Irish Water, the public, or any other person it considers appropriate.  The Commission has already undertaken public consultations on the development of the economic regulatory framework for water services and will be undertaking further consultations during 2014. The Consumer Association of Ireland is a private body and has no statutory role in this matter.

An inter-departmental working group has been established to advise the Government on the appropriate method for addressing affordability issues which may arise with the introduction of domestic water charges. The group is examining the issues arising for those with specific medical conditions which require high water usage in the course of its work. 

The group comprises officials from my Department and from the Departments of the Taoiseach, Social Protection, Public Expenditure and Reform and Finance. A final report will be submitted for consideration by Government when the group 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.

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