Caít Keane (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Cuirim fáilte roimh Bhord Gáis. Uisce Éireann or Irish Water is the name referred to in the document.

It had been agreed at the committee and in the Seanad that "Uisce Éireann" was the name. That is the name it was given by the chairperson in the press releases. I want to ensure the name is "Uisce Éireann" not "Irish Water". In line with Bord Gáis, one would be following in one's own footsteps.

I wish to confirm the level of investment in the NPRF and if the drawdown has begun as yet? We have a vested interest in inquiring into that as we want to know at what stage it has started. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked about the exceptional people in local authorities. Is there a reward for local authorities who conserve and have low levels of leakage versus those who have high levels of leakage? We have a table showing the leakage levels for each county and we know which counties are good and the counties that are not good. Is there a reward-punishment system in place?

As stated, the service level agreements expire in 2017 but what happens after that time? One of the Deputies asked about a local emergency response on the ground. On a snowy night when the pipe freezes who will get out on the ground? We compliment council staff for facilitating an emergency response on New Year's Day or Christmas Day. One cannot control the weather. Where will the boxes be placed and how will they be protected? I understand they will all be underground. I was a councillor in Dublin where the Local Government (Dublin) Act 1952 governed ownership up to and controlling the stopcock. When Dublin was broken up from city councils to county councils one side of the road had one regulation and the other side had another regulation. We want uniformity in regulation. How will that be provided for? As a result of an amendment I tabled in 1994 to the Water Services Act there is uniformity up to and including the stopcock. What is the position and how will it be done? Will be it be done by regulation, legislation or statutory instrument?

It is important to note from Bord Gáis Networks report that the Government has decided that domestic water charges will be based on a free allowance usage for those with affordability issues or medical needs. Many questions and myths have been peddled but I note that the delegates said it was Government policy that any strategic infrastructure would not be sold. In regard to asset management, has the fibre optic element of assets been factored into the tenders and the assets that the councils are handing over to Bord Gáis Networks in the piping system? Who is responsible for the final decision - is it the landord or tenant? Will it be the landlord versus the tenant who has to ensure conservation of water and ensure payment and-or responsibility? Will this be done by legislation?

The commission will hold extensive public consultation. I presume there will be written consultation and, if so, what is the closing date. A question has been asked about local meters but not on electromagnetic fields. We had a question on electromagnetism and smart meters which was referred to the Joint Committee on Health and Children. Will Bord Gáis Networks prepare a report for the Joint Committee on Health and Children on that issue?