Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)

The development fees charged by planning authorities to developers include charges for connection to drinking water supply, the public sewers and municipal waste water treatment plants. These fees are part of the purchase price in urban areas or in areas where the public supply is paid for by the purchaser. Where connection to a public water supply or a public sewer is not possible the appropriate deductions are made in respect of those individuals.

In addition, I commend the previous Government on the fact that from 2006 to 2011, inclusive, €500,000 was spent in rural areas to help people deal with connections to public supplies but also group water schemes and group sewerage schemes. They will continue under the rural water programme. If one had a problem in regard to a well, a grant is available to replace the pump or get another well up to €2,000 or 75% of the cost. That recognises there are difficulties in rural areas that do not exist in urban areas. I have made it clear in urban areas that where there is a public supply in 2014, people will be charged by meter. That relates to public supply only and will not apply to people in rural areas who have a private supply. That is unlike what Sinn Féin has said at some meeting, particularly Deputy Martin Ferris, to the effect that a charge would apply to private wells. That is not the case and will not be the case. People who are providing their own water, at their own expense, will not be have a charge imposed on them by the State. However, if they wish to connect to a public supply, obviously there is a connection charge which is applicable in all local authority areas.

I am glad to have had the opportunity to put on record some of the hypocrisy that has taken place on the issue. It is not well founded given the information I have just given to the House. I am taking an unprecedented step of publishing the regulations for a four-week consultation period and will not commence the Bill until such time as they are approved by the Oireachtas. That has never happened before under any previous Minister. In order to allay public concerns and the fears that have been expressed arising from the misinformation, I am glad to say the public meetings will be well attended and the people will get the truth.