John Gilroy (Labour) | Oireachtas source

I might make a short contribution to be helpful towards Senator Cullinane with regard to linking this measure with ability to pay. One could consider other infrastructural items to ascertain whether any analogies could be drawn. One probably would be correct to state that water is a natural resource, in the same way as electricity, yet payment for the latter is not linked to ability to pay. It requires infrastructure to bring electricity to a house and the household pays for the electricity according to its use of it. In the same way, infrastructure is required to bring water to a household, which will pay according to its use thereof. This is very clear, as the Commission for Energy Regulation, CER, will set the rates in this regard.

It also might be helpful to try to find an analogy in other jurisdictions as to what happens with regard to ability to pay. I will try to choose a jurisdiction at random that has a rates system or a water paying system, encompassing water in, water out and sewerage. For instance, I will pick Northern Ireland at random. A few seconds ago, I consulted the website nidirect.gov.uk on my mobile phone.