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

The decision for Government is to deal with the issue of affordability, water poverty and issues relating to that. The regulator will not take that decision but it might advise us of its view. The Department is in regular contact with the Department of Social Protection and the Department of Finance, and we have asked the Economic and Social Research Institute to examine this issue and give us an independent perspective on all of these issues, which is important. I agree with Deputy Stanley. These are key issues that require clarity before the charging process commences, but it is a decision the Government will take. Obviously, it will be open to full debate.