Barry Cowen (Offaly, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I will be brief. I have specific questions. If the witness could be likewise, we will get through all we need to get through here today. To lead on from the previous question, does Mr. Ciobanu-Dordea accept that we had a derogation from domestic water charges under Article 9 of the EU framework directive in 2000? That is the first question. Second, what is his and the Commission's definition of "established practice" as it relates to the delivery of water services and as mentioned in the Water Framework Directive? I will move on to the river basin management plan of 2010, which Mr. Ciobanu-Dordea mentioned and which he believes constitutes the loss of the initial interpretation - if he confirms it existed - of the directive dating back to 2000. If that is the case, is Mr. Ciobanu-Dordea implying that there is a shift in his interpretation of established practice? What is his view on the legality of the suspension period that we are in currently? We still feel we can meet the objectives of the Water Framework Directive with the suspension in place. Has the Commission been in contact with the CER or the EPA about its contention, belief and opinion that we are in contravention of the EU framework directive?