Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)

I will answer the questions put. The years 2012 and 2013 were mentioned in the deal agreed by the last Government. With regard to how meters will be installed and the problems in that regard, from the briefing I have received approximately 1,800 people will be employed for a period of three years to install meters in every house in the country. I presume that when all of that has happened, there will then be a decision on charging. The whole idea in metering is to conserve water. However, the independent assessment will examine the issue of value for money under the meter installation programme, as well as other matters.

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