Alan Kelly (Tipperary North, Labour) | Oireachtas source

Deputy Murphy raised issues relating to increases in water charges. The Government realises the concerns of citizens about affordability of charges. For this very reason, as the Deputies are well aware, legislation was prepared at the end of last year to cap water charges at €160 for a one adult household and €260 for multi-users. The capped charges apply until the end of 2018 with provision for a further cap to be set by the Minister of the time, whoever he or she may be. A free allowance provided for children and the provision of meters allows people to beat the cap. It is quite clearly a conservation measure.

All in all, this legislation and this amendment is far from discriminatory, as one or two Deputies described it. This is actually bringing a large degree of certainty to the situation. It is providing a certainty that will ensure tenants are treated fairly and it will also ensure that it is clearly defined who is responsible for paying the bill.

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