Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)

The regulator will be consulting with Irish Water, the Department, local authorities and other key stakeholders in the coming months to determine the approach on setting of water charges. There is no doubt embarking on such a fundamental programme of reform for the water sector will bring many challenges but these reforms have the capacity to deliver a sustainable financial model in the future, leverage additional funding for investment, achieve efficiencies through economies of scale and elimination of duplication and, crucially, provide an improved service for consumers. In light of the global economic challenge and the position of our public finances, the time is right to reorganise our approach in this sector to support economic growth and to meet the needs of future generations. The opportunities and benefits the reform programme will bring for the economy, for society and for service delivery are worth the challenges and it is in all our interests to support this approach. I look forward to hearing the views expressed in the House today and I am confident that constructive and informed engagement from all stakeholders will be a valuable input in the development of an implementation strategy to ensure the change is managed well.

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