Willie O'Dea (Limerick City, Fianna Fail)

I congratulate the Minister, Deputy Phil Hogan, and the Ministers of State, Deputies Willie Penrose and Fergus O'Dowd, on their appointments and wish them the very best. I take the Minister of State, Deputy O'Dowd's point on the assessment and moving as quickly as possible. What I first want to ascertain is when approximately he envisages the new water company will come into existence. Second, if I understood him correctly, the roll-out of the water meter installation programme will commence in 2012. Approximately how long will it take to complete? Third, when can we expect to see water charges introduced? I note the Minister of State says a certain amount of water will be provided free and that people will be charged for usage in excess of that amount. Am I correct in stating it will not be possible to introduce water charges until such time as the full meter installation programme has been rolled out?

See this speech in context