Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

The Taoiseach did not answer any of the three questions I asked. First, does he agree there is no need to implement the provisions until the end of 2009? Second, does he appreciate there is discretion and flexibility in this regard? Third, is he disposed to suspending this provision pending a resolution of the problem?

I welcome his comment that the Government is now considering introducing a flat rate payment and a transition period. Will the Taoiseach elaborate in this regard? What will be the flat rate and how will it be applied? What will it mean for a school that is in receipt of a bill for €6,000 at present? What is the flat rate and what are the criteria? Will it be based on the number of pupils or on an allocation of litres of water per pupil to be used and metered in the school?

Given that the framework directive states that the implementations must be in operation by the start of 2010, will the transition period continue until the end of 2009? When will detailed announcements on this issue be made? In the meantime, are those schools which are in receipt of bills for water or for water and sewage combined now entitled to hold on to the bills and not pay them until details regarding the flat rate payment and the transition scheme are announced by the Government? When does the Taoiseach expect to do so?

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