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

An interdepartmental group was established to examine issues, including affordability and the free allowance. I welcome the viewpoints of all Members on both sides of the House on the question of affordability. The body is consulting with a number of groups on the free allowance and other issues. The interdepartmental group comprises representatives of the ESRI, the National Federation of Group Water Schemes, Uisce Éireann, the Department of Social Protection regarding free schemes, the housing section of the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government, the HSE, the Department of Health, the CER regulator, and the community and voluntary pillar. I understand that the Society of St. Vincent de Paul has been discussing this issue specifically and Public Policy.ie is also involved. The interdepartmental group has also received a written submission from the Money Advice and Budgeting Service and plans to meet its representatives early in the new year.

The knowledge and wisdom that all those people will bring to dealing with those matters, together with the views of Senators, will be valuable. A significant amount of work is being done to get answers to such questions. The group is being chaired by the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government. When the group has concluded its work early in the new year, proposals will be brought to Government. I do not have a date for the conclusion of the group's work but it will be as early as possible.

I can assure the House that supports will be provided to those in need. In addition, the Department of Social Protection is represented on the interdepartmental group. Charges for households will not commence until the fourth quarter of 2014 with the first bill in 2015. Details of the levels of charges and the affordability supports will be announced well in advance of the introduction of charges. There will be an opportunity for the Oireachtas to discuss those issues in the meantime.