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

I thank Deputy Phelan for her comments which are very important. She is absolutely correct that a consultation process which includes listening to people and making them aware of the issues, is the only way forward. This is our job for the next year. The Commission for Energy Regulation will undertake the consultation process but Members will be fully engaged in the process. I can assure the Deputy that we will debate the proposed regimes in the House and people will be able to contribute to the process.

I fully support the Deputy's comments about a campaign to educate and inform the public on how water usage can be reduced and water used more efficiently in households. I have raised the issue of a campaign with Irish Water on many occasions. The benchmark for such a campaign is the Government's Race Against Waste campaign which transformed the way people dealt with their domestic waste. That campaign was extremely important in informing and educating people and it helped to change attitudes. I am assured that the scale and the import of the communication campaign will be at that level and that every household will be supported in this regard. The Deputy is correct that simple actions make the difference.

I refer to the point about the inclusion in the planning guidelines of water harvesting facilities being installed in new houses. I believe it can be difficult to retrofit some existing houses. I will discuss this matter with the Deputy at the committee. I agree that people must be given the information so they understand what is being proposed.

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