Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 2 December 2014
98. Deputy Joe Higgins asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will report on any research by his Department on the prospects of future water poverty; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41681/14]
View answerIn January 2013, the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) was commissioned by my Department to undertake a study into water affordability and the provision of water services in Ireland. Subsequently, an Inter-Departmental Working Group was established in October 2013 to advise the Government on the appropriate method for addressing affordability issues which might arise with the introduction of domestic water charges. The Group considered the ESRI study as part of their examination of the issues. The report of the Inter-Departmental Working Group, which includes the study carried out by the ESRI, has been published on my Department’s website; details of the relevant link will be circulated with the official report. [ http://www.environ.ie/en/Publications/Environment/Water/FileDownLoad,38146,en.pdf.]
In May 2014 the Government made certain decisions on the funding model for Irish Water. Subsequently, in July, the Water Charges Policy Direction 2014 issued to the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) in accordance with Section 42 of the Water Services (No. 2) Act setting out the Government’s water charges policy framework. In making its decisions on the funding model and the policy framework, the Government took account of the work of the Inter-Departmental Working Group.
Following a review of the overarching water charges policy framework, the Government has made further decisions to ensure that water charges are affordable for customers. On 19 November, I announced a package of measures to ensure that a simpler, fairer, more certain and more affordable charging regime is in place for Irish Water customers. Details of these measures are also available on my Department's website; the relevant weblink will be circulated with the official report.
[http://www.environ.ie/en/Environment/Water/WaterServices/News/MainBody,39549,en.htm.]
