Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

On the approved water charges plan, I agree with Senator Sean D. Barrett that we have been dancing around the issue for a long time. Will the plan include a standing charge for meters or providing the service? The ESB and other utility providers charge between €30 and €35 before a customer consumes a single unit. That is an absolute disgrace and I hope a similar standing charge is not included in the water charges plan. Even if one is not using gas or electricity, the bill will be €30 or €35 per month because of the standing charge. I hope that will not apply to Irish Water. I have no problem with people paying for water, but it will be difficult enough for them to pay for the water they use without also facing a standing charge. If meters can be purchased, whether for €50 or €400, people should be allowed to buy them rather than pay a standing charge in every bill.