Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)

That is an important point and that is what the independent assessment will consider. The implementation of water meters is expected to run to approximately €500 million, employing up to 1,800 people over three years. The Deputy's valid point is that if water meters are not installed, approximately 5,000 people would be employed in repairing burst water mains and other problems. The Deputy is correct in arguing that we must consider how to reduce consumption. Water will be extremely expensive to treat and supply in future and we must consider strategies that will help householders reduce the volume of water they use. The Deputy has indicated that two types of cisterns may be used, for example, and the issue will be examined in this report.

We must change the way we act. The deal which the Government signed with the IMF is one that must be acknowledged because of our current financial position. There will be options and we hope to have a good debate on the issue.

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