Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I have a number of questions. Going back to the savings to the Exchequer, the witnesses stated there was a hybrid model and some of that includes payments directly from the Exchequer towards the capital works. It is only a saving to the Exchequer if there is an actual saving, through procurement, etc., or through additional charges. That is the relevant point. One could end up with a good billing system and good asset management system but, because there is a finite amount in consumers' pockets, which is the point commentators make repeatedly, it has been exhausted.

Moreover, the credit union analysis shows there is a sizeable number of people with pretty much no scope for discretionary expenditure. Consequently, there will be a limit on the domestic side and Irish Water could end up with a very good billing system and a highly deficient water system. For me, this is not a world-class system and the witnesses might comment on that point.

The location, in most instances, of the meters on public streets means that unlike with gas and electricity, there is a responsibility between the gate and the house. While there obviously will be a first-fix policy, members need to know much more about that. It is likely to be something with which the joint committee must deal at the next meeting.

Another issue with which the joint committee must deal in some detail is that of quality control, because going back would not be desirable. Members need to know exactly what is the oversight in respect of the installation of these meters because there is a range of subcontractors in addition to the main contractor. I deal with issues that arise with regard to such matters all the time and this would be a significant issue. While there was a loan from the National Pensions Reserve Fund regarding the installation of meters, did I hear the witnesses correctly to the effect that the standing charge may well include more than the repayment of that loan? What is Irish Water's thinking in this regard, because the witnesses mentioned reservoirs, as well as the maintenance, electricity and so on, for pumping water? As development contributions vary nationwide, does this mean they will be standardised? Moreover, will there be a standardisation of the price of commercial water? An issue that has been raised with me a number of times pertains to those who make a great deal of effort to conserve water. Last week, members heard that were one to use less, one might be obliged to pay more, which flies in the face of what would be a good culture. I acknowledge that some of these issues must be dealt with when members come back.

Finally, on the issue of consultants and the smaller parcels, as I stated earlier, I have a really serious issue with the number of consultants and the way in which this entire matter has been handled. However, given the manner in which Irish Water packages it, there is a limit on who can apply because the company must be of a particular size. Obviously, this is a Europe-wide process and although the object was to create jobs, Irish Water will end up creating jobs in consultancies in countries outside Ireland. That is an issue that was raised with me as a concern.