Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Government wants to be fair, equitable and affordable. The Government, of course, recognises that any charge has to be an imposition on people, but this charge is a necessary contribution as we set out to develop a proper water infrastructure for the country. That is why the Government has set policy directions for the regulator in terms of the average metered water charge, the household allowance, the child allowance and the knowledge that people have particular medical ailments that require lots of water. That is why there is an extra €100 for the household benefit for disabled people, carers and those who live alone as pensioners. The intention is to have everybody enabled to make a contribution that is fair, affordable and equitable.

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