Ivana Bacik (Independent)

The programme for Government states:

To achieve better quality water and environment we will introduce a fair funding model to deliver clean and reliable water. [We are all agreed on that need, certainly with the difficulties we have had.] We will first establish a new State owned water utility company [The Minister spoke about that.] to take over responsibility from the separate local authorities for Ireland's water infrastructure and to drive new investment. The objective is to install water meters in every household in Ireland and move to a charging system that is based on use above the free allowance.

That is a water conservation measure. Senator John Whelan has stated people will be given an allowance. The idea is that there would be a charging system based on usage above a free allowance. That is clearly outlined in the programme for Government. Our colleague in the Dáil, Deputy Ciarán Lynch, pointed out that the Labour Party welcomed the remarks made by the Minister, Deputy Hogan, to the effect that there would be no introduction of domestic water charges until a metering system was put in place. A flat rate water usage system does not provide the incentive to conserve water that a metered system provides.

That is the bottom line for all of us who are concerned about the protection of the environment and seeing a charge brought forward that would have as its objective the conservation of water and increased environmental sustainability.

Senator John Whelan outlined some interesting points, particularly in reference to whether there was a need for a new water utility governmental organisation or whether an existing body such as Bord na Mona could be used. I would be interested to hear the Minister's views on that matter.

We must be clear on the need for the Government to act to ensure the security, safety and sustainability of the water supply, as Senator John Whelan said. We are all aware of the prospect of water shortages. A headline in yesterday's farming supplement in the Irish Independent read: "Drought takes toll on crop growth and yield", and pointed out that the east of the country was suffering from drought, that is, in the month of June that has not been the driest or the sunniest we can recall, yet prolonged drought in eastern counties is causing crop losses and forcing livestock farmers to supplement scarce grass with silage and concentrate. I point out to Senator Feargal Quinn, regarding the use of water by farmers, that farmers currently pay for water.

The programme for Government outlines a system under which we will move to metered usage which clearly will take some time to introduce. We will then be able to charge for usage over and above the free and equitable allowance that will be provided for. That is essential. I accept the good will shown in the amendment tabled by the Sinn Féin group. None of us wants to see low income households suffer. We do not want to see people placed in even more severe poverty because they have to pay a new charge, but we must incentivise to avoid excessive usage and wastage of water.