Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

This is a very valuable document providing evidence for us. It deals with issues raised, such as the nature of the right that might be there for water and the best system for charging. Interestingly, it is recognised that the best system for managing the issue would be volumetric metering, although it is recognised that the political realities are such that we must have acceptance for whatever form of charging is introduced. The report points out the road on which acceptance would be built. It would be built on principles of fairness, one of which is that people who use water excessively could not expect the general taxpayer to pay for that behaviour. Equally, it is indicated that people with group and other schemes should be treated equally.

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