Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)

I am glad the Deputy agrees there should be a water conservation policy within schools. Such a policy should be actively pursued. As for the Deputy's question on the Government response, I already have outlined a transitional arrangement that will be put in place by the Government to alleviate some of the difficulties. Schools have been given an opportunity until 2010 to put in place conservation measures.

However, I cannot do anything because the Government has sought legal advice on the EU water framework directive which makes clear that all non-domestic users must pay for water used. Schools, like other non-domestic water service users, must pay water charges. The legal advice also confirms they will be required to pay the full cost of water services used by them on a metered basis, with effect from 1 January 2010.

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