James Bannon (Fine Gael)

I am somewhat concerned at the Minister of State's comments. I wonder whether he has checked with all local authorities. Some local authorities are insisting that meters be installed on all newly constructed group water schemes. I understand also there is a directive from the Department in this regard before grants are drawn down. I would like greater clarity on this because meters are being installed on all new group water schemes. I have been involved in a number of group water schemes in recent times and this is the case. I agree with my colleague, Senator Paddy Burke, as regards schools and sporting facilities. Domestic water charges are being imposed on schools throughout the country by local authorities. They are illegal and if a court challenge was taken they would be found to be so. After all, schoolchildren are taking the equivalent of domestic supply from the system. They would use the same amount of water if they were at home on a given day. The same is true of sporting facilities. People use the water to drink, shower and wash themselves after partaking in a sport, which we should be encouraging, not discouraging by imposing charges on voluntary bodies such as clubs. I ask the Minister of State to examine this as a matter of urgency. We are always talking about trying to get people to participate in recreational facilities, which should be encouraged. Most of those facilities are operated on a voluntary, parish basis, particularly GAA clubs throughout the country. There is one in every parish and they find it hard enough to survive without the imposition of water charges. Perhaps the Minister and the Minister of State could examine this. If a challenge is taken, as will shortly happen, it will not stand up. After all it is the domestic water supply they are using.