Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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Question 5: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans to roll out domestic water meters on a national basis; when he intends to implement the Programme for Government commitment to introduce domestic water charges; his further plans to impose a flat charge on water usage in the absence of water meters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16234/10]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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In December last, following a decision by Government, I informed the House that I would bring forward proposals for the installation of water meters in households served by public water supplies. These proposals, which my Department is now finishing, will give effect to the commitment in the renewed programme for Government to introduce charging for domestic water in a way that is fair, significantly reduces waste and is easily applied. I expect to bring these proposals to Government in the coming weeks.

The proposals will include draft legislation to remove the prohibition on charging for domestic water services and will also address the arrangements for the delivery of the water metering programme, cost estimates and how these costs are to be financed, as well as plans for the development of a pricing structure for domestic water services. I will provide further details on these matters following their consideration and approval by Government. I am confident that the introduction of charges based on usage and not a flat-rate charge as suggested in the question will encourage the conservation of water resources. Reducing consumption will help to reduce the significant costs incurred by local authorities in providing supplies of quality drinking water and treating wastewater discharged into the public sewerage system. This matter should be seen in conjunction with my announcement earlier this week of investment of some €320 million in conservation works over the period 2010 to 2012, which will provide for a very substantial scaling up of activity in mains rehabilitation. This significant investment in conservation is part of the overall investment of the €1.8 billion in the water services investment programme 2010 to 2012.

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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Fine Gael supports the Government proposal to introduce domestic water meters. People need to be charged for excessive use of water after a certain allowance for household use. Too much water is being wasted and there is no appreciation of the fact that water is a finite resource. Over the winter months that issue came home to people. I support that view.

How will the Government pay for this major investment? Has the Minister quantified the investment that will be required to roll out the metering system? How long will it take? In the meantime how will the Government pay for the water investment programme as we approach 2015?

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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As I said to the Deputy at the recent committee meeting, one would be forgiven for believing that Monday's press launch was about water metering; of course it was not. It was about the water services investment programme, which is a very significant capital investment in our water infrastructure, be it in improving drinking water quality or investing in wastewater treatment plants. Considering the number of schemes included in that, the Deputy will realise that we are taking action in a very pragmatic way. We will no longer concentrate on the schemes, but on the contracts themselves and try to get the greatest possible bang for our buck.

The issue of paying for water meters has not yet been brought to Government. As I told the Deputy the other day, I have not brought forward the memorandum to Cabinet and it would be unwise and premature for me to talk in the House about my initial thoughts on the matter. However, he can be assured that the commitment on this in the programme for Government will be honoured. I very much value the support expressed by the Deputy for the water metering programme. There is now a responsible recognition from the Fine Gael Party that treated water needs to be paid for, but in a fair and transparent way.

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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I am sure the Minister carried out studies before he advanced this proposal in the programme for Government and he has an idea what it will cost to meter every house in the country. I am sure the Department has provided a memorandum or some notion of the ballpark figures, which he might like to share with the House. He might also share the length of time it will take to roll out metering.

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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As much as I like caring and sharing-----

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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Since we are on the same side of this argument, the Minister could be generous.

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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-----I am not in a position to let the Deputy in on the deliberations. These are important matters. It would be quite wrong of me to let the Deputy in on this before I have even gone to my Government colleagues.

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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I know the Minister is not great at looking for information.

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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The Deputy can be assured that this is a major programme which will provide a further economic stimulus. Obviously, it is not just about water conservation. It will also provide local authorities with an extra revenue base and provide a very important economic stimulus and create jobs. From every perspective this is a win-win. It is important to remember that this is to be done in a fair and progressive way. There will be a free allocation with users paying above that allocation. When people see the programme we plan to roll out, most fair minded people will agree it makes sense.

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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I wish to ask-----

Charlie O'Connor (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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I ask the Deputy to be very brief; he has broken his promise.

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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The Minister did not answer. I have not broken my promise; I have a minute to go. I have given great assistance to the Acting Chairman.

Does the Minister have an indication as to what it will cost to roll out this programme? Is it €1 billion of €1.5 billion?

Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Fine Gael)
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Or €2 billion.

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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Is it €500 million?

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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I have been very clear in that I have a series of options that have been outlined. I need to go to Government, consider those options and pick the best option - the most efficient, cost-effective and fairest option.