Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I did not agree with having flat charges then and I do not agree with having them now.  I clearly stated we needed a system based on the availability of a free allowance.  Such a free allowance needs to be constructed in a way that takes account of the circumstances of different families.  Clearly, families have particular needs where there are children or medical issues and the allowance needs to reflect this.  Charging should be on a metered basis in order that it encourages the conservation of water and enables families and households to reduce water bills by conserving water.  Let us be clear: both then and now I did not and do not support having a flat charge.

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