Brian Ó Domhnaill (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I know it is an issue of major concern for Members of the other House who also happen to be our constituents because they vote for Members of Seanad Éireann. I am only reflecting the concerns expressed to me by Members of the Dáil, including Fianna Fáil's environment spokesperson, Deputy Barry Cowen, who is deeply annoyed at the manner in which this legislation is being rammed through the Dáil, as I am sure are the other Opposition spokespersons.

As the Minister of State rightly points out, there are issues with the quality of our drinking water. That is absolutely certain. There are issues about the need to improve the infrastructure for our water supply. That is why until now tax was collected. There is a need to charge for water and I can see the point of it. There is also a need to make sure that those who cannot afford to meet the charge will be given the opportunity to demonstrate that they cannot pay it. There is a lack of compassion being shown in respect of this amendment and the absence of any form of appeals mechanism.

No Member of this or the other House will have an opportunity to decide on the charge. We discussed the level of the charge here. A few days ago the Minister of State mentioned a flat in London. I was reading up on charges in London. They are below the European average. The average charge for water in Europe, if applied in Ireland, would come in at approximately €360 per household. If we were to move on the basis of what is charged in London, it would be in the region of €300 per household. The Oireachtas Library and Research Service and Senator Sean D. Barrett have investigated the real cost and it will be approximately €740.

There has been another cosy deal whereby under local government legislation up to €600 million has been transferred from the local government fund and which I understand will go into Irish Water. Will the Minister of State clarify whether that is going to happen and whether the money will be transferred to Irish Water? How will councillors meet the shortfall of €600 million which is being taken from the local government fund to fund semi-State organisations that are beyond democratic accountability? They are accountable to the committees, but they are beyond democratic accountability in respect of how they set charges and collect money. I have major concerns about what will happen.

People will be able to approach their public representatives after they receive their bills and Irish Water has retained the services of debt collectors or solicitors. Will the Minister of State confirm that Irish Water will not retain the services of debt collectors or solicitors to recover moneys due? Perhaps that is not the case and I am reading this wrong and it will not go down that road. Perhaps it will assume people genuinely cannot pay. There should be criteria set down in legislation to protect those who cannot pay from those who do not want to pay. There will be people who are well off and can afford to pay but who will decide not to do so. That has to be laid down in legislation to protect against misuse but also to protect those who cannot afford to pay. I am disappointed by the Minister of State’s response. We had a very good discussion a couple of days ago, but so far today I am disappointed that it appears that the thrust of the amendment will not be accepted. If that is the case, I will press the amendment. That is unfortunate because we are here to be constructive. We are trying to protect the interests of those who will find it difficult to protect themselves against the beast that will be Uisce Éireann or Irish Water.