Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)

That is the only principal decision that has been made, and I presume the Deputy accepts that. The free allowance within the charge for water will form part of the discussions ongoing between Bord Gáis, the regulator, the Department and the Government. It is in the programme for Government. We are not in a position to give details of an implementation plan that has not yet been drawn up. We are in the process of formulating that plan. As the Deputy said, rainwater harvesting is expensive. However, it will save people money because this is essentially a water conservation programme. If they want to install features in their businesses and households to conserve a finite and valuable resource, I encourage them to do so. They will not have to pay as much if they have good water conservation programmes in place, in which we will assist them as part of the implementation plan.

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