Brian Stanley (Laois-Offaly, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for his reply. Some people are carrying out work on a house. The Government introduced a positive scheme to give a tax rebate for those carrying out home improvements and extensions to kick-start the construction industry. In cases where people are trying to carry out renovation work, they need more notice. In the case of disabled people where they have carers coming to collect them where they may have to make arrangements with the Centre for Independent Living, the HSE or the staff of a section 38 or section 39 agency, they need notice to make alternative arrangements.

Meters can be fitted in some areas without much disruption, but in some areas they can cause havoc. In narrow streets access can be blocked off for days which is a particular problem for those who are not as mobile as the rest of us and who may depend on a wheelchair, a walking frame or other similar aids.

It is important people in those situations receive adequate notice. It will not cost any more for them to be notified two weeks earlier. The regime would be better if it was changed to one month and one week instead of a fortnight and three days. My house has not been metered yet but when it is, I will be able to tell the Minister of State whether I received adequate notice. There have been reports that people have not received adequate notice and that needs to be tidied up. Will Uisce Éireann re-examine that practice?

See this speech in context