Barry Cowen (Offaly, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Deputy Kelly and his colleagues must recognise that the war is over. It is time to move on to another mess of his Government, namely, the housing crisis. In regard to the specifics of this legislation, building on the work of the Oireachtas joint committee, over 92% of households will not have a water bill. The remaining 8% will have until July 2019 to avail of the first fix policy, a medical exemption or the large family clause. Beyond that I believe only people wilfully wasting water, despite the various warnings and measures to assist them, will be fined. I believe this is fair and in line with our EU obligations. The Commission for Energy Regulation, CER, will set what the payment level for each litre above the threshold will be. This will be inserted in the water charges plan, as the Minister outlined in respect of section 21 of the Water Services Act 2013. The Bill allows for the multiplier of 1.7 times the average usage to be reduced by a Dáil vote if the Minister feels certain criteria have been met. Critics have attacked this as a slippery slope whereby the threshold is steadily reduced, taking more and more households into the payment system. However, this wilfully ignores the fact the Dáil retains power over the multiplier. I am informed the clause is required to meet EU laws but the key point is that Deputies have complete control over this process, not any Minister. Given that over a series of motions across the past 18 months we have heard other parties call for a Dáil vote on water charges, I am certain all Deputies agree this Chamber is the place where such power should be vested.

I want to draw attention to the need to equalise treatment between rural dwellers and those on the public mains. Fianna Fáil secured a significant increase in support to group water schemes. I am calling on the Minister to expedite the establishing of the working group on rural water supplies to ensure supports levels are fair to all citizens regardless of where they live.

Drawing on the committee’s work and legal advice, we believe this Bill meets our EU obligations. It also ensures a clear route forward for the capital investment required in our water network to ensure it becomes fit for purpose. It has been a long road to this point. There have been deeply unsavoury moments along the way that reflect badly on those involved. However, street thuggery has not won and democracy has. Votes cast for parties that were willing to show leadership and take responsibility led to policies being enacted. The end of the failed water charges system is a testament to practical politics. It means only water wasters will be penalised. For the overwhelming majority of households, water charges are gone. Let us pass the Bill and mark the end of a failed policy. It is time to turn the page and move on to more pressing national challenges. We hope to play our part, along with others, in ensuring progress is made on these issues.

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