Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour)

I disagree with both Deputies when they say this will not save water. I absolutely disagree with their contention that charging, over a certain level of free water, will not concentrate people's minds on saving water. People who are better off will not necessarily leave the taps on because they have a bit more money. One could not say the better-off are not engaged in recycling and the use of bottle banks, for example. Being responsible has nothing to do with being well off or not. I reject that contention. If people are tight for money and if turning off the tap will save money, they will do so. People I know who are tight for money will use whatever method they can to save money for themselves and their household. I reject the contention that this measure will not save water.

I can reassure Deputy Nulty that the Labour Party, and the Government in general, is committed to retaining this in public ownership. I can counteract what Deputy Boyd Barrett said this morning. There is not an EU liberalisation directive in this area. There are many examples throughout Europe of water as a public utility, such as Scottish Water and Eau de Paris. I reject the suggestion that this will lead to privatisation.

Bord Gáis Éireann is an independent semi-State company. The question raised by Deputy Stanley has nothing to do with what we are talking about today. I do not know what Mr. Denis O'Brien or anyone else has to do with the question.

I thank the Deputies for raising this matter. There has been a consultation programme and there will now be a detailed implementation plan. Any views expressed in the Dáil will be taken on board. There will be a long lead-in period when the various issues and constructive suggestions will be considered. I thank the Deputies and assure them that this is about providing good quality water, protecting consumers and ensuring we can create and maintain jobs.

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