Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 6 November 2014
242. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the cost of extending the free water allowance for children to dependent 18 and 19 year olds living with their parents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42699/14]
View answerThe CER issued a determination on the water charges plan submitted to it by Irish Water. Full details are available on the CER website at www.cer.ie/document-detail/CER-Water-Charges-Plan-Consultation/979.
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 in July 2014. This policy direction addressed a number of matters relating to domestic water charges including the provision of a free allowance to cover the normal usage of water services by every child in their primary residence based on the same qualifying conditions as for child benefit.
Consideration is currently being given to measures to bring the necessary certainty and clarity to the charging structure to ensure that water charges are modest and affordable.
