Pat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

We are great people for knocking ourselves. When one goes abroad, the people one meets speak about the good work we have done with the economy. We are a leading example of what can be done in a few years to turn an economy around. We had a broken economy several years ago. Last week, I attended a book launch with the former Taoiseach, Liam Cosgrave, who spoke about the trouble his father, W. T. Cosgrave, had in 1928 and 1929 when the ESB was formed. At the time, every newspaper and Opposition politician was completely opposed to the formation of the ESB, but it is now one of the most successful utilities in the country. We should stop knocking ourselves. This is a great little country and we have done a lot over the last four years in terms of growing the economy and putting us back on the international stage.

In regard to water metering, Deputy Shortall was wrong when she stated that we had abandoned conservation. For ten or 15 years, I was the secretary of a group water scheme comprising 1,000 houses. Several years ago we installed meters but we did not change the charging regime. As soon as the meters were installed we noticed a big change in supply levels, even though water was not being charged by volume. Reservoirs were full, which meant less money was needed for pumping and filtering water. Meters work, and I condemn those who say they do not work. We are proceeding with our programme of installing meters. The people who install meters are putting themselves at risk given all that is happening at present. I ask those who engage in this type of activity to refrain from preventing people from installing meters. Meters allow for conservation.

Most speakers referred to the challenges of establishing a company like Irish Water. I acknowledge that our timeframe was overly ambitious. The former US President John F. Kennedy stated: "An error doesn't become a mistake until you refuse to correct it." We have acknowledged the mistake but we are correcting it, and we will govern in that way. We have listened to the people and we have learned lessons. The vast majority of people recognise the challenges we face in providing clean and sustainable water supplies.

I am confident that most reasonable people will contribute to the cost of improving our water supply.

The objective is to have a system of billing that is fair, affordable and offers clarity to householders. The measures announced yesterday by the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government will ensure that is what we have as we move forward. Families will pay approximately €3 per week net for the next four years. There is a welcome measure of certainty in that. I cannot say for sure what the price of diesel will be in four years' time because it constantly fluctuates. However, by extending the caps to 2019, the Minister has given certainty regarding the price of water so that families, many of whom have huge bills to pay, know exactly how much this particular bill will be.

When I spoke during the debate on the legislation last December, I warned that we must have a fair billing system that is flexible and phased. I welcome the provision in yesterday's proposal whereby householders will be able to pay their water bills through the post office. That offers flexibility by facilitating payments of as little as €5 at a time and will have an important role in safeguarding our post office network.

There is no doubt that we have a broken water and sewerage system. Indeed, the Government has identified 42 towns and villages where the service requires upgrading. The next generation will never forgive us if we do not fix the system and put in place a modern water supply that can cater for a growing population. It is estimated that by 2030 households will be using 40% more water, and there will be increased demand from industry, particularly in the pharmaceutical and food sectors.

Unfortunately, my time is up. Most decent people will pay the charges as set out in the proposals announced by the Minister yesterday. The cost will be less than €3 per week for families, which is cheaper than a pint of Guinness or even a bottle of water.

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