Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour) | Oireachtas source

The proposal for a standing charge is one we have to address.  The discussions we are having- this is well known - pertain to the free allowance, the question of a standing charge, the arrangements for metering and the arrangements that would give rise to differences for people who use water to wash their cars, as distinct from those who require water for their children or to meet medical needs.  I am confident that we will be able to arrive at a formula which is fair, reasonable, clear to the public and in respect of which the public can have certainty.

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