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

I am trying to concentrate on the very positive, constructive contributions made by Deputy Kirk and others on the other side of the House and to respond in like manner. There is now a great deal of clarity on the situation regarding domestic water charges. There has been a rigorous analysis of the funding model to ensure we have a system which is fair and efficient and provides an incentive for householders to use water resources efficiently. The details are true to the commitments made in our programme for Government, with the provision of a very generous free allowance for households. There will be no standing charge, which means that the system of charges will be purely based on usage above the free allowance, so people have it within their power to control the charges they have to pay. Households will, therefore, only pay for water use above 30,000 litres per annum. The level of free allowance will increase by an additional 38,000 litres for each child in the household, which, in essence, results in free water for children. I think that is-----

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