Fidelma Healy Eames (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

This is leading to the amendment. If this is a fair test, then it should take account of ability to pay. Water runs and, accordingly, it could be quite costly, with bills for households being open-ended. The Minister spoke about an information campaign, with which I agree, because we are going to have to teach the public about behavioural change and water conservation.

I have concerns about the uncertainty of the size of water charges. I accept that it is proposed to meter water usage, while in cases in which it cannot be metered there will be a flat charge. I would see greater certainty in a flat charge according to family size. If the option of a metered charge or a flat charge were in place, families would be better positioned in terms of ability to pay. Will that choice be made available to people?