Dáil debates

Tuesday, 15 April 2014

4:05 pm

Photo of Enda KennyEnda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Some of the media reports might be based on a draft memo from Irish Water. The Government will shortly consider a memo from the Minister. As Deputy Martin is aware, there is a process to be gone through. It will be followed carefully. The Government's intention is that the water charge will be as fair and as affordable as possible. Clearly, it has to give careful consideration to the various categories of people who are in different circumstances. As the Deputy knows, there are people with small families, no families and large families. There are people with particular medical needs and requirements.

There is one undoubted fact in this regard. It is clear, in light of the various reports on climate change etc., that this country has not invested sufficient finance in the provision of proper infrastructure to consumers, business and people all over the country. The concept underpinning Irish Water, which will be able to borrow money for infrastructural development, is that the new body will co-ordinate such development in a proper fashion so that a platform for the supply of top quality water to consumers, businesses and industries will be put in place for the next 50 years.

Deputy Martin is well aware from his previous experience that part of the attractiveness of this country is the quantity and high volume of quality water that is available for industry. We need to enhance that. Irish Water will be able to do that. There has been a great deal of economic analysis of what is involved here. The Government will consider it shortly. The people will know in good time. I have already given a commitment to that effect.

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