Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 July 2016
313. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the public procurement or other procedures that were used to appoint members of the expert commission on water charges; the remuneration that is to be paid to them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20780/16]
View answerIn considering members for the Expert Commission on Domestic Public Water Services, a public invitation for nominees was issued through my Department's website and consideration was also given to other suitable candidates meeting the specific skill sets required.
Specific professional expertise in funding and financing of large scale infrastructure investment and maintenance programmes; economic regulation; utility approaches particularly in the water sector; water resources management; and water environmental law was sought so as to deal with the complexity of the issues involved. In seeking such expertise, I took account of advice in this regard received from the Institute of Public Administration and the Economic and Social Research Institute. Against this background, I chose individuals who, in my view, have the necessary professional expertise in environmental matters, law, economics, the customer perspective, the water sector and the regulatory system, and I included a mix of both national and international experts.
A modest fee will apply in respect of the Chair and in respect of the members of the Expert Commission, where appropriate, the details of which are being finalised. Costs relating to travel and accommodation expenses of members, particularly those coming from overseas, will also be recouped to members.
The role of the Expert Commission on Domestic Public Water Services is to make recommendations on a sustainable long-term funding model for the delivery of domestic public water and waste water services by Irish Water. It is to report and present its recommendations to a Special Oireachtas Committee within five months of its establishment.
