Caít Keane (Fine Gael)
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We will have a vote in the Seanad in a moment. I hope I will be present for the response but it will be recorded nonetheless. Medical conditions are an important consideration. The Minister said - I read it in the newspapers this morning - that medical conditions will be assessed and consultations will take place. When I read that, I was assured that the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government and the Minister for Health in consultation would set down the specifics. The CER is not an expert in health. What is the importance of consulting it on health matters? It is clearly set out in the water policy direction that both Ministers would get together on the issue. We must ensure that all of the necessary health grounds are set out. We should be able to tell the Minister that the CER thinks A, B and C should be considered. Is it possible to outline those points today?

The Minister set out in directive 5 that there would be a free allowance for households and children. An upper age limit has been set at 18 for the definition of a child who is in school or college. What if young people are working? Will that be considered to be a policy direction?

Another directive from the Minister related to a reduction in the charge in the event of water quality being inadequate or where there is impaired service. The CER has taken that into consideration. A rebate will be available for impaired service. If boil restrictions are in place, a rebate will also be available. How will the rebate be managed or who will say a person did not have X amount of water for six months? Will it be the local authority, Uisce Éireann or the regulator? How will a decision be made on rebates?

I note that 153 submissions were received by the CER and they are being taken into consideration. I made a submission on medical issues and water conservation. Could the CER indicate whether it will make recommendations or if the Minister will make them to facilitate water harvesting and other such measures? The Minister has referred to the matter also.

I welcome the accelerated metering of apartments. Does it mean it will happen in two months, six months or a year?

The CER stated in its submission that discounts will apply where water is unfit for human consumption. The Minister referred to it also in his directive. The CER will publish regulations in December. The first fix will be free. People are worried about what the cost will be if leaks are discovered. In the event that only 10% of water is used in a property, will a recommendation be made on that and will there be separation at source. If only 10% of water is used then it is very expensive to treat it all. There is much waste involved if water is leaking. It is expensive to treat water that is flushed down the toilet. Reed bed treatment is being used in Offaly rather than the more expensive conventional treatment.

Reference was made to what happens in the United Kingdom. The system in Northern Ireland is the same as in the United Kingdom which means we do not have to look too far up the road to see the charges are more and are based on property value. There is no encouragement for people conserve water. Will there be a directive on education in terms of water conservation and will there be an onus on schools, parents, local authority representatives and Oireachtas Members to play a part in educating people to conserve water?

Reference was made in the directive that came from the Minister to a fixed fee until 2016. Because it is a statutory directive I do not believe it will be changed or could be changed until after 2016. Am I correct in my assumption?