Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 16 July 2015
732. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide information regarding the water allowance that persons with a disability qualify for; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29714/15]
View answerA new water charging regime was announced by the Government in November 2014. The capped annual charges are €160 for single adult households and €260 for all other households until the end of 2018. All households now know what their capped bills will be until the end of 2018, which is particularly important for larger households or those with high usage due to medical needs. In addition, a water conservation grant of €100 per year will be available to qualifying households. To be eligible for the grant, a person must have registered their principal private residence with Irish Water on or before 30 June 2015. The Department of Social Protection is administering the grant scheme on behalf of my Department. During late August and September all households that have registered with Irish Water on or before the 30 of June 2015 will receive a notification from the Department of Social Protection on how to apply for the grant.
The water conservation grant replaces the tax rebate and social protection measures, previously announced and is a more straightforward means of addressing water issues for all households on equal terms and will reduce households’ outlay on water services both now and in the future.
The charges structure was revised with a view to making it simpler and fairer, providing more clarity and certainty to households. The overall cost for those who register with Irish Water, net of the €100 water conservation grant, is either €1.15 a week for single adult households or €3 a week for all others. Water supply will not be reduced under any circumstance.
When it comes to payment, a range of easy pay options are in place, including direct debits, electronic funds transfer, payment by cash at any retail outlet with a paypoint or payzone sign or a post office where a bill can be paid in full or part payments of a minimum of €5 can be made. Irish Water also intends participating in the Household Budget scheme. This facility, operated by An Post on behalf of the Department of Social Protection, provides customers with a facility to have their household utility bills and social housing rents deducted directly from their weekly social welfare payment.
