Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy O'Dowd, back to the House. We had a very good debate on water on Second Stage yesterday. One of the most important points pertained to the quality of water, which is so important in this country. Over time, we have seen the difficulties that have arisen in this regard. I recall the cryptosporidium in Galway. We were listening to news reports thereon every night.

It is important that our water quality be excellent. As a result of the setting up of Irish Water, we will achieve this. With regard to points made yesterday, I hope the expertise in local authorities will be drawn upon.

A guarantee has been given that Irish Water will draw upon that expertise, and I hope that will be the case. I acknowledge that it will be difficult for people to pay additional amounts for water but I hope they realise the cost of producing the quality of water we need.

Senator Whelan alluded to industry's need for water. That is another important area. It will be difficult for people to pay the charges but I hope the allowances will be generous and that the numbers in families will be taken into consideration when those allowances are being given. I do not believe people will object too much. Some people who are against everything will campaign against paying for water or any other service. That is par for the course in the democracy in which we live but I do not believe people will rebel too much when asked to pay less than ¤1 a day for this important commodity. I acknowledge people have been asked to pay property charges also but I believe they will pay the water charge with a heart and a half if they get the quality of water they require.

On the question of metering, the Minister might let us know more about that in his response. He made a comprehensive contribution on Second Stage but he might provide more detail on the timescale for the metering, who will do the metering and the contracts for that. I hope that as many small local contractors as possible will get the opportunity to be involved in the provision of these meters.

The Minister of State has been actively involved in this area since his appointment as Minister with responsibility for the setting up of Irish Water and this Bill dealing with water metering. I praise the Minister for his efforts in that regard. It will be very difficult but it is important for the country that we get right the question of the supply of and charging for water. I hope that as a result of householders throughout the country paying for their water, there will be some alleviation for the people who have been paying for water until now including traders, shopkeepers and small businesses. I hope there will not be any major increases in the cost of water for those small companies, and the larger ones, that provide employment for so many of our people. That is a point Senator Whelan mentioned regarding Intel and other such major industries.

I commend the Minister on his work. It will be a difficult area. We will have resistance from those in some areas of the community who will not want to pay. Some will say they cannot pay. In that regard, what are the provisions for people who will not pay? We have a situation with the other commodities, namely, electricity and other areas, where the supply can be cut off if people do not pay. Will the same situation apply or what way is it intended to address that problem because I am sure a problem like that will arise? We had serious problems in areas of the country, even in my area, with such problems previously but Bord Gáis that will be dealing with it this time, not local authorities, and that may change people's attitude. However, I remain concerned about it.