Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 8 October 2014
226. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding entitlements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38501/14]
View answerWith effect from 1 January 2014, Irish Water is responsible for public water services. The Water Services (No. 2) Act 2013 provides that Irish Water can collect charges from its customers in receipt of water services provided by it. The Act also provides that responsibility for the independent economic regulation of the water sector is assigned to the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) and the CER has been given statutory responsibility for protecting the interests of customers.
The proposed approach to charging was outlined by Irish Water in a water charges plan which it submitted to the CER in line with the provisions of the Act. The CER recently held a public consultation on this plan which covered a range of issues relating to water charges and allowances. The CER issued a determination on the water charges plan on 30 September 2014 and details are available on the CER website, (www.cer.ie)
In making its determination on the water charges plan, the CER had to take account of the decisions made by the Government on the funding model for Irish Water and a direction made under Section 42 of the Water Services (No. 2) Act 2013 in July 2014. This policy direction addressed a number of matters relating to domestic water charges including the provision of a free allowance of 30,000 litres of water supplied and waste water treated per annum for a primary residence on a public supply.
In addition to the above, the Government agreed to put in place further affordability measures to assist pensioners, persons with disabilities, and carers who receive the Household Benefits Package administered by the Department of Social Protection. From January 2015, Household Benefits Package recipients will receive a quarterly €25 ‘Water Support’ payment. The exceptional needs payment system will also continue to be available to people experiencing severe financial difficulties.
Irish Water has established a dedicated team to deal with representations and queries from public representatives. They may be contacted via email at oireachtasmembers@water.ie or by telephone on 1890 278 278.
