Mr. Paul McGowan:

A pilot is currently under way with regard to the first fix and our expectation is that the scheme will kick off from January, based on interim approval of costs for Irish Water. We will settle on the final details of the scheme after that.

On the question of the role of the local authorities and Irish Water, that is entirely a matter for Irish Water. We do not direct Irish Water in terms of how it splits its workload between itself and outside contractors or local authorities.

The Deputy asked about the matter of serious illness. The decision on that is quite clear. People who have a medical condition which requires them to use above normal levels of water need to declare that on their registration. From that point forward, their charges will be capped at the assessed charge. That is the situation that is now in place.