Mr. Eamonn Waters:

The data on quality tend to indicate that it is high in the public group water schemes, which are the ones supplied by Irish Water. It is pretty much on a par with what is there on the public network. In addition, there are funding measures under the rural water programme to support improvements in the infrastructure. Mr. Gallen mentioned schemes that want to be taken in charge by Irish Water. There is a funding stream which covers 100% of the cost of bringing deficient infrastructure up to standard so that it can be taken in charge. In 2018, 21 schemes were taken in charge under that arrangement. The figures for 2016 and 2017 were 13 and 15, respectively. That is in addition to the funding streams available to the private group water schemes and there are significant funding supports available for infrastructural improvements. In addition, the ongoing operational subsidies were significantly improved with effect from 1 January 2018. There are policy mechanisms and funding streams in place to support the quality objectives and to make sure quality and public health issues are addressed.