Darragh O'Brien (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

No, fan noméid. The question is how and when it is done, what the priorities are, and to ensure it is fair and metered. The Minister of State will know that in the north east, where we both live, in Fingal and Louth county Council there are issues with the loss of water before it gets to the taps and the consumer. I realise there are details in the capital programme on the spend. What investment does the Minister of State believe will be required in the coming two or three years to reduce the level of wastage of fresh water before it gets to the citizen? That is important and people need to know that.

I want to know how the capital budget will be managed. Does the Minister of State envisage that it will be managed by Uisce Éireann or will it be done through the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources by way of NewERA? How will it be managed? That question is fundamental. There is a significant issue in this regard and confusion arises for many people because we do not know exactly. I have heard that in 2014 the Government will begin to charge people. However, not all houses will be metered by then and the head of the Irish Water has said as much clearly. What happens in the interim? I fundamentally disagree with a flat water charge in the interim.