James Bannon (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Second, the Commission for Energy Regulation will act as the economic regulator for Irish Water. This will ensure the Irish Water charges plan will be subject to the approval of the commission. Third, this legislation allows for the establishment of a sustainable funding model for Irish Water.

I have always stated my belief that reform of water services is crucial for economic growth. For example, we have seen the creation of 1,200 jobs under the metering programme. I have no doubt that it will attract investment to Ireland, particularly the midlands, in water intensive industries such as information and communications technology and pharma-chemical companies.

Increased investment in infrastructure will create much-needed employment. It is welcome that this legislation makes provision for the Government to issue a policy direction to the Commission for Energy Regulation in respect of the performance of its functions. I specifically draw attention to the water charges plan. The policy direction provides that the Commission for Energy Regulation must, in approving the plan, make provision for households which receive a poor quality water supply. It also provides for the provision of free allowances for households. The free allowance for children is a clear-cut example of how the Government is working towards making water charges as fair and equitable as possible.

It will be based on the average water consumption level of children. The allowance of 21,000 litres is based on the most up-to-date data available and will be monitored by the Commission for Energy Regulation, CER, to ensure that children continue to receive free water.

There are many other clear examples of how charges will be balanced and well intentioned. There have been clear indications that the water charges plan will make provision for households with a poor quality of supply. In its recent consultations, the CER proposed that households with a poor quality of supply for less than three months will receive 50% discounts on their charges while households with a poor quality of supply for more than three months will receive 100% discounts. Currently, 31 public water supplies are under restriction, affecting approximately 26,000 people nationwide. These include 20 schemes with boil water notices. Under the CER's draft proposals, 18 of these would receive 100% discounts on their water supply charges.

As a midlands Deputy, I know all too well about how Roscommon has been one of the worst affected counties. Deputy Feighan outlined the situation. I am pleased to see that all eight of Roscommon's schemes fall under the CER's 100% discount proposal. I support this proposal and urge the CER to implement it when making a final determination later this month.

The Government has worked hard to ensure that the introduction of water charges is as fair and equitable as possible. I have outlined examples of this, but I will use my remaining time to highlight a particular issue that is close to my heart. Will the Minister, Deputy Kelly, ensure that Alzheimer's disease and other related dementias are included on the list of medical conditions for which water charges will be capped? Dementia-related diseases affect many families throughout Ireland and, in many cases, require round-the-clock care and supervision. As a result of these conditions, many people are confined to their homes, which would clearly lead to a higher usage of water. The nature of these conditions also means that many people could easily leave taps on and run up astronomical bills through no fault of their own. Some provision should also be made for accidental leaks, particularly in times of frost and hard weather.

We have worked hard to make this legislation rational and fair. The Government should take the final steps and ensure that people with medical and mental illnesses are properly cared for. Home owners must also be protected by ensuring that no additional costs will be incurred as a result of burst pipes or accidental leaks.

The harvesting of water from industrial and farm sheds is a matter that is dear to me. Grant assistance should be made available for this type of venture on every farm. I hope that the Ministers for Agriculture, Food and the Marine and the Environment, Community and Local Government will provide for such ventures under the rural development programme.

See this speech in context