Barry Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Does the delegation think too much is expected of it? Irish Water will impose these charges. The delegation may believe they are excessive and that there will be rebates. That is exactly what I have said all along. There has been a rush to charge people without adequate preparation. The CER is not in a position to judge how adequate or otherwise the charges are, but the customer is being charged.

The commission is directed by the Government to act in the best interests of the consumer, but I am afraid that is not in the best interests of the consumer.