Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The committee has an opportunity to ask multiple stakeholders questions about anything it likes. It has been doing that to date. The importance of this issue extends beyond the creation of a revenue stream. I believe there is an obligation to ensure some element of the water policy that is to be determined encourages conservation and applies the polluter pays principle so that we can be consistent with the commitments we have made under the water framework directive. Of course there are some flexibilities in this regard. I have received a letter from the European Commissioner to that effect. I do not think it is credible for us to say that if people waste water, the general taxpayer will simply pick up the tab. There are two issues here. First, we need to consider what we need to do to reassure people that normal domestic water usage will be paid for through general taxation, but those who waste water will have to pay for that water. Second, if that principle is agreed on in the committee, we need to consider the thresholds that should apply to these decisions and what income streams will flow from them. The expert commission has said that we should look to the regulator to provide suggestions and recommendations in that regard. I think that is a sensible suggestion.

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