Paudie Coffey (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I note what delegates said on the success of metering for group schemes in terms of reducing demand and contributing to conservation and sustainability. It is very important for the committee, in its deliberations, to have some understanding of a typical bill for a person on a group water scheme. If we are to be treated fairly and equitably, which is what we all want and which is a recommendation of the expert commission, we need an understanding around those figures. There will be realism about our recommendations as to how this may be subsidised by the State. I acknowledge the work done by group water schemes on supply maintenance and the treatment of their own water supplies and this needs to be continuously maintained and subsidised. We will have to come up with recommendations to the Dáil on how we can treat group schemes fairly in relation to others on public water supply. It is a very important point and I ask the witnesses to come back to us, either with averages or typical bills.