Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 26 July 2017
1612. Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government his plans for refunding water charges to those that have paid same; the timeframe for same; the procedures he plans to use for the refunding of same; the way in which previous Irish Water customers that made the respective payments will be identified and repaid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36118/17]
View answerThe report of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on the Future Funding of Domestic Water Services was published on 12 April 2017 and approved by both Houses of the Oireachtas. The Committee recommended that in respect of the most cost efficient mechanism of adhering to the principle of equity of treatment for those who have paid and have not paid water charges, such households should be compensated in an equitable manner.
The Government approved the priority drafting of a Bill to give effect to the relevant recommendations set out in the Committee's report on 30 May 2017. My Department is working with the Attorney General's Office on the drafting of the Bill with a view to it being published as soon as possible.
