Michael McNamara (Clare, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I congratulate the Minister of State, Deputy Hayes, on the measures he has outlined, in particular those regarding forestry and horticulture. They are vital to our continued economic recovery.

It is important not to spend money providing incentives for organic produce while continuing to introduce regulations which make it more difficult to produce the product. I think in particular of non-pasteurised cheeses. While there is a valuable market for these cheeses, the level of testing being introduced makes it more difficult for producers to access markets. There is a balance to be struck in this regard.

In the brief time I have left, I will concentrate on water support measures. Yesterday, a number of water support measures were announced, including additional payments on the welfare side and tax credits on the taxation side. On the water support programme, a payment of €100 will be paid to all who qualify for the household benefits package. In addition, €100 per annum will be provided to all fuel allowance recipients who do not already receive the household benefits package. I have received confirmation from the Minister for Social Protection that this will apply to customers of Irish Water, but also to members of group water schemes, who have been paying for water for some time, and to people who incur the cost of their own supply. In regard to the tax credit, will this credit apply only to customers of Irish Water, or will it apply to members of group water schemes or people who incur the cost of maintaining their own supply in a given year? I would urge the Minister to ensure that in the interest of equity it applies to everybody. It would be quite unfair if customers of Irish Water obtained tax credits but people on group water schemes did not. I would question whether this would contravene EU law on state aid in the case of Irish Water, which is an off-balance-sheet company.

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