Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 7 May 2014
144. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will consider amalgamating all household charges currently under his remit in order to allow for exemptions and reductions for certain members of society, for example, old age pensioners; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20478/14]
View answerIn relation to water charges, the Programme for Government sets out a commitment to the introduction of water charges based on usage above a free allowance. In January 2013, the Economic and Social Research Institute was commissioned by my Department to undertake a study into water affordability and the provision of water services in Ireland. An Inter-Departmental Working Group was established in October 2013 to advise the Government on the appropriate method for addressing affordability issues which may arise with the introduction of domestic water charges. The Group have taken into account the ESRI study as part of their examination of the issues. The Group comprises my Department and the Departments of the Taoiseach, Social Protection, Public Expenditure and Reform and Finance. I propose to publish the report of the Inter-Departmental Working Group, which includes the work of the ESRI, on my Department’s website shortly.
The Government has decided, following consideration of proposals in relation to the funding model for Irish Water and taking account of the work of the Inter-Departmental Working Group, to provide a free allowance of 30,000 litres of water supplied and waste water treated per annum for a primary residence on a public supply. The Government has also decided to provide for an additional free allowance to cover the normal usage of water services by every child in their primary residence based on the same qualifying conditions as child benefit, such that water charges will in effect only apply to adults in such households. The normal consumption is estimated at 38,000 litres annually per child of water supplied and waste water treated and so the allowance being provided will be up to 38,000 litres per annum. This level of consumption will be verified over time through actual data from metering. The Government has also decided that bills will be capped at the assessed charge level for those customers with particular medical conditions which necessitate high water usage.
The vast majority of household waste is collected by private waste collectors. In the very few areas where local authorities still collect waste, they do so in a market open to competition from private operators. As waste charges represent a fee for a service provided, primarily by the private sector, their amalgamation with other household charges does not arise. Matters relating to Local Property Tax are a matter for my colleague the Minister for Finance.
