Pat Gallagher (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)

I am merely repeating what I said to Senator Paddy Burke. There is no opportunity in the Water Services Bill 2003 to allow me, the Government or the Opposition to introduce an amendment to exempt the institutions mentioned by the Senator from water charges. Absolutely nothing can be done. Lest I am giving the wrong impression, there is no intention to do that. In my earlier contribution I referred to the equity of the legislation. If the Government was to intervene in group water schemes, that would be seen to interfere with private schemes. The group water schemes are very much the responsibility of the trustees and their members. If they decide to put in meters, that is a matter for them, but I am not aware that is the case. I am not even anxious to pursue it because I do not want to interfere. Of course a bulk meter would make much sense so the trustees and members of the scheme could have the relevant data regarding the amount of water being used in a daily, weekly or monthly period. It would make sense if bulk meters were installed. However, there is no obligation now or on the enactment of this Bill, by way of regulation or otherwise, to insist on meters either on public or group water schemes. That is a matter for the group water schemes, but I am not aware of any of these.