Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I will answer those questions as best I can. In the context of the first of them, in my initial reply I provided a clear answer on block meters. A parallel process will obtain here. Block meters are essential and useful. They measure the amount of water going into a particular block of properties - be it 24 houses or 300 - and one can then ascertain how much of this is being used. They can also be used to identify the location of a leak in a particular area and, consequently, the street and home in which that leak is occurring. Block meters are an important aspect of district metering and, as I understand it, they are already being installed in most local authority areas.

In the context of the questions posed by the Minister, Deputy Hogan, and the responses he received, I will ask the Minister to respond to the Deputy directly because I am not familiar with the correspondence which has been taking place in this regard. The Minister made a commitment and I have no doubt that he honoured it.

In the context of public representation on the board of Irish Water and as I stated earlier, the articles of association relating to the company include the process by means of which directors will be appointed. The information in this regard is obviously not yet in the public domain. However, I am in a position to say that Irish Water is required to prepare a memorandum of understanding in respect of the articles of association. I understand this has been done. The governance provisions, including the process relating to the appointment of directors, will be addressed in the articles of association. Any appointments to the board of Irish Water by Bord Gáis will be subject of approval by the Ministers for the Environment, Community and Local Government and Communications, Energy and Natural Resources.

The issue of accountability will be addressed in legislation to be brought before the House prior to Christmas. The legislation in question is in preparation and while the Government has agreed on the broad principles involved, the details in this regard will be decided in conjunction with the Attorney General and others.

The question on the cost of metering is an important one. We cannot state what will be the cost prior to the commencement of the process. However, there will be total transparency and accountability when metering is completed. It would be wrong to provide an actual figure in respect of costs prior to the procurement of the meters required. Until those meters are purchased, referring to actual amounts could lead to the cost to an increase in the cost to the taxpayer.

The Deputy's final question related to the transfer of assets. All assets are being assessed at present and date for their transfer to Uisce Éireann is 1 January 2014.

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