Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

We and the Opposition have reached agreement in terms of what the Senator said about the intention of the Oireachtas to interrogate all these issues. I mean that in the broadest sense and not in a political sense. I met the regulator earlier today in connection with this issue. The regulator reassured me that, as was said in public and quoted in the Oireachtas document, it wants to be proactive in communications. The process will be that Irish Water will set out its plan with all the costs. That will be a public document. The regulator will release that for consultation. People make their comments on it. Obviously, the views of Oireachtas Members and members of the public are very welcome and will be treated equally. We agree it is very important that the Oireachtas invites in the persons concerned, particularly Irish Water, to invigilate and do due diligence on all the issues. Notwithstanding what Senator Cullinane is saying, I honestly believe this legislation is setting up the framework under which every issue on which the regulator makes a decision is transparent and accountable. I am satisfied these amendments, notwithstanding the fact Senator Cullinane may oppose them, are good and that the outcome will be productive and constructive, particularly for consumers.

In respect of the ability to pay, the Government said repeatedly that every home will have the free allowance. Affordability and water poverty, which the Senator and his colleagues raised, are very important issues on which the Government will be deciding in the not too distant future. There will be transparency about how that will be dealt with, which is very important. There are other issues that may relate to the role of the regulator which we can deal with in another Bill to come before the House before the charges come in. Due to the fact that domestic buildings will not be paying a bill until January 2015 at the earliest, there is enough time to deal with all of these issues in order that there is total clarity and consultation. I believe that is the proper, democratic and accountable way to do it.