Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 June 2014
93. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will play a role in ensuring costs are managed appropriately in Irish Water in order that the public are not forced to pay for excessive levels of advice and consultancy through their water bills; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23701/14]
View answerThe Water Services Act 2013 provides for the establishment of Irish Water as an independent subsidiary within the Bord Gáis Éireann Group, which conforms to the conditions set out in the Act and is registered under the Companies Acts. The Water Services (No. 2) Act 2013 provides for the establishment of an economic regulator for water services within the Commission for Energy Regulation.
The primary role of the Regulator will be to protect the interests of customers and to ensure a consistent and appropriate level of service is provided to them. In particular, the CER will be responsible for approving the water charges plans prepared by Irish Water and examining the costs underlying these charges. The costs of Irish Water will be examined by the CER to ensure that such costs are reasonable and can be expected to result in value for money from a customer perspective.
The Water Services Act 2013 also provides that Irish Water will be required to submit an annual report on the performance of its functions each year to the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government and the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources. Irish Water will be required to submit its annual accounts to the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government each year. The 2013 Act also provides that the annual report and accounts will be laid before each House of the Oireachtas.
