Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Senator is correct that a proactive relationship between Irish Water and consumers will work. There is nothing more important to consumers than bills and if a utility bill is increasing, it is important to intervene in an appropriate manner and to have a strategy in place for doing so. Drive-by meters will be installed which enable electronic communication from the meter to Irish Water on the volume being used. People will also be able to check the meter physically.

Under the current system of water charges, Louth County Council, my local authority, identifies from a bill that water usage is higher than usual and informs the company in question that its usage has increased significantly. While it is a matter for the user to fix the problem, it is helpful that the local authority informs users of a problem. County councils do not generally bill the total cost of the water used where they identify that there is a problem. While it is a matter for Irish Water to establish a policy on this matter, it is critical that it is a user-friendly and proactive policy under which the company makes use of all available tools, including texts and e-mails, to communicate effectively. In this way, it will be able to build a proper relationship with customers, one which meets their needs.

To return to the point made by Senator Barrett, for whom I have a great respect, the sole purpose of the Commission for Energy Regulation, CRE, is to protect consumers. Irish Water will be required to comply with direction issued by the commission, which will have sector specific powers that extend beyond the powers available to the National Consumer Agency. Senator Cáit Keane pointed out that the National Consumer Agency has the power and capacity to act on this issue within its remit. Notwithstanding the Senators' criticisms, the intentions and policies of the Commission on Energy Regulation are made clear in its consultative document. I do not know if the Senators read the document.

It will proceed to a second stage of consultation early in the new year. I will be happy to engage with the CER at that stage on the issues arising in order that it is more accountable to the Senator's views.

The reference to the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources is made simply because Bord Gáis is the vehicle establishing Irish Water.