Brian Ó Domhnaill (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I move amendment No. 32:

In page 12, line 28, after “plan” to insert “that shall be laid before the Oireachtas”.

I agree wholeheartedly with Senator Sean D. Barrett on the previous amendment, which is along the same lines as amendment No. 32. These amendments would provide for accountability and protect consumers. Senator Sean D. Barrett sought to introduce accountability to the charging policy, including a consultation process, in order that the consumer would be protected and informed. That is what I am trying to do in this instance. Amendment No. 32 would require the water services plan to be laid before the Oireachtas, as well as the commission, in order that Members could discuss it on an annual basis. Amendment No. 33 has a similar aim.

While the Commission for Energy Regulation will have responsibility for the water charges plan, the information provided by idt earlier this year referred to the establishment of an independent economic regulator for water services. This function is to be assigned to the commission and it is expected that the regulator will have a number of functions, including setting revenues, tariffs, charges, performance targets and efficient investments in the water network. In addition, it will ensure Irish Water can finance its operations, having regard to the level of ongoing Exchequer funding in the medium term. If the Government were to decide to cut the funding for Irish Water, the CER would have a statutory role in ensuring the service was self-financing. As Senator Sean D. Barrett noted, if the Government were to cut funding by €1 billion over a certain period, it would have to be made up by charges to households. That is why it is important that the Oireachtas which will be approving the subvention to Irish Water should also be able to debate the company's charging policies. Obviously the Department's Vote will be debated in the context of budgetary decisions, but we should also oversee the company's charging plan.

I agree with what has been said about the CER. It has proved to be ineffective and inefficient in combating the spiralling costs of energy for domestic households. People are under serious pressure in meeting their energy bills at a time when the commission has an obligation to protect consumer interests. I question its ability to do this. For that reason, it is important that we give the Oireachtas an oversight role.