Vol. 437 No. 4
60 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Health if he has had any assessment carried out of the health implications of disconnecting water supplies from households; if not, if he will have arrangements made to have such a study carried out; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that in some countries disconnection of water supplies is prohibited on health grounds; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I have not had any such assessment carried out nor have I received reports from the health boards indicating a particular health problem in this area. Any health or hygiene hazard that might arise from the disconnection of water supplies would, of course, be of concern to me. However, I am advised by the Department of the Environment that before disconnection of the water supply is considered the ability of the householder to pay water charges is taken into account.
