Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 31 May 2016
366. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government when the commission on water charges is to be established; the nature of the applications process for members of the public to apply for membership of the commission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12757/16]
View answerI will shortly bring forward draft legislation to implement water elements of the “Confidence and Supply Arrangement” agreed with Fianna Fáil in the context of supporting a minority government. This draft legislation will provide for the suspension of domestic water charges for a period of nine months and provide for the establishment of an External Advisory Board to build public confidence in Irish Water.
The External Advisory Body is to advise and improve the accountability and transparency of Irish Water and will publish advice to the Government and give quarterly reports to an Oireachtas Committee on the performance of Irish Water in implementing its business plan. The membership and other details of the Board will be set out in the draft legislation when published.
The suspension period is to allow for the establishment of an expert Commission to consider and make recommendations on the long term funding of water services. The Commission will consist of national and international experts in water services provision and financing and I intend to bring my proposals in this regard to Government shortly. The Commission’s recommendations will be considered by a Special Oireachtas committee and, ultimately, the Oireachtas will then determine the enduring funding model for public water services into the future.
In the meantime, Irish Water will continue to make improvements in the delivery of water and wastewater services and increase investment to upgrade our water infrastructure.
