Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 October 2017
714. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the mechanisms that will be put in place for persons who suffer from health conditions which require heavy water usage, such as Crohn's disease, in view of the fact he has indicated that a charge will be applied for excessive use of water; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42614/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Joint Oireachtas Committee on the Future Funding of Domestic Water Services, JOCFFDWS, recommended that wilful wastage of water should be curbed. The Committee's report was approved by the Oireachtas and the recently published Water Services Bill 2017 reflects the recommendations contained in the Report.
The Bill provides that households will be liable to pay for water services used above a certain threshold. The JOCFFDWS recommended that provision should be made for households where the excessive use of water is due to medical needs. The Bill provides for an exemption from the payment in such circumstances and the Minister can prescribe a range of matters relating to the exemption including the procedures to be followed when applying for an exemption, the time limits that will apply in respect of making an application and the information to be furnished by applicants. The matters involved will be addressed in Regulations to be made as soon as possible following enactment of the legislation.
