Mr. Dermot Nolan:

On the water issue, I will do my best to answer the questions, but I understand another committee has a scrutiny role over the CER in that regard. I will do my best to answer the question, but I want to let the Chairman know that. We have not been called before any other committee on this.

The CER does not have a role in regard to the free allowance. That is essentially a matter for the Government and the Oireachtas. In regard to quality of supply, I cannot answer that question because it will depend on the legislation that is ultimately approved. I will make some general comments regarding quality of water supply, but in the context of looking forward to a role we do not have. There is a sense that significant investment is required in water over the next period. People have talked a lot about the cost of water, but often they are just talking about the cost in terms of providing clean drinking water. Our estimates so far, which are not perfect, are that the overall cost of providing water is just over half of the cost, because much of the cost is for waste water disposal - efficient and clean disposal of waste water and sewage. Significant investment will be required in that area. I am not answering the Deputy's question precisely, but the answer depends on the legislation and the role we are given.