Brian Ó Domhnaill (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I move amendment No. 37:

In page 13, between lines 16 and 17, to insert the following:"(b) taking account of the ability to pay principle; and".

This relates to an ability to pay. Under subsection (8):

Irish Water shall, when preparing a water charges plan take account of the following matters:(a) the need to ensure that Irish Water performs its functions in a commercially viable manner;
(b) the public utility nature of its functions; and
(c) the need to maintain a balance between the matters referred to in paragraphs (a) and (b).

I am asking that Irish Water would be compelled to take into account the ability of people to pay as well. There must be a mechanism built in as many people are struggling currently, with over 100,000 in mortgage negative equity. People have lost their jobs through no fault of their own and are struggling to keep a roof over their heads. They are even struggling with the property tax but they are now being asked to pay for water. We do not know what the price will be and if there will be a difference depending on whether these people have a meter. If, as Senator Barrett suggests, Irish Water is to make up the shortfall of the €1 billion, the average will be approximately €750 per house. If that does not happen there will be subvention through the tax system, as is currently the case, and the Government will have to decide the level of general taxation going to Irish Water.