Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Fair enough. My next question is for Irish Water and the regulator. When the roll-out of meters is complete, approximately 30% of households in the country will not have a water meter. These are houses in rural areas, apartments and houses in urban areas with multiple connections to the same water supply. How will water and user charges be calculated in these cases? It is unfair for people to be charged based on usage in some areas, while people in other areas are penalised because of geographical location. How is it intended to address this issue?

Mr. McGowan has stated costs and charges will be benchmarked against best international practice. What is the international practice in charging for water which is unfit for human consumption? Are people charged for it? It is a simple question to which people want to know the answer. Will they be charged for water which is unsafe to drink? What is the position where the supply is inadequate? Deputy Paudie Coffey mentioned water pressure which is not suitable for showers, washing machines and dishwashers. Should people be charged for a water supply which is significantly insufficient to meet their basic needs?

Ms Mannion addressed the issue of water in and water out. I would like a definitive answer on the issue of water in and water out, or pay as one flushes, which is what it seems will be introduced. In this room 12 months ago I questioned the Minister, Deputy Phil Hogan, on this specific issue. He stated people would not be charged for flushing toilets or water out. I specifically raised the issue on Second Stage in the Dáil on 19 December and the Minister of State, Deputy Fergus O'Dowd, interrupted me to state the water out provision would apply only to commercial premises. The evidence we have heard today from the regulator is that there will be a charge for water out; therefore, a flushing tax will be introduced as part of the water charges to be levied. I want a definitive "Yes" or "No" answer. I can see the merits, but there are conflicting messages from the Minister, Government policy and the regulator. Will there be a water out charge and how will it be calculated as a percentage of the water in charge?