James Bannon (Fine Gael)

I move amendment No. 154:

In page 72, between lines 33 and 34, to insert the following subsection:

"(2) Meters or the data taken or read from them shall not be used for the purpose of calculating or imposing a charge on the end user.".

I am proposing this amendment because it is clear the Minister intends to introduce metering and charging for water. This is evident and the Minister of State did not clarify the position as regards group water schemes. Conditions are laid down for committees so all domestic and agricultural connections must be metered. That is one of the conditions imposed before they can draw down a grant. It is important we get clarity on that because I know of schemes that have suffered consequences on being told meters had to be installed on particular schemes. A certain percentage of the grant was withheld until such time as the meters were installed. A large number of such schemes have meters installed on the basis of conditions being set for the committees to abide by. We need more clarity in that regard.