Paudie Coffey (Waterford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I have followed this debate very closely here today. Some strong views have been expressed from all sides. This debate has focused everyone's attention on the real value of water as a precious resource.

I would like to pay specific attention to the case raised by Senator Healy Eames. There will always be exceptional cases involving people with medical conditions. The measures taken by the Government through the capped charge will address such cases. People with medical needs or conditions who need to use additional water will have certainty that the maximum charge will apply until 1 January 2019. I would like to make it clear to the Senator that the Bill also allows the maximum charge to apply after 2019. Provision has been made in section 3(5) of the Bill to address the Senator's concerns in that regard.

I would like to contribute to the argument about why metering is needed. Senators will accept that meters are in every country in Europe at this stage. I understand that 35,000 of them have been installed in Northern Ireland. It is recognised nationally that when meters are installed, water conservation measures improve, water usage reduces and people's minds focus on their individual use of water. That is important. People with meters will get their bills capped at €160 for individual households and €260 for multiple households. This could be lower if metered water usage is monitored. As people get their meters, they can qualify for a rebate if their water usage is below the level at which the capped charge applies. We do not want such people to be disadvantaged.

On the specific question of the Senator's amendment, this subsection provides for a system whereby a rebate can be made to a customer on a capped charge where they have a meter installed after 1 January 2015. That is the correct date as no charges can be levied before that date. The acceptance of this amendment would lead to a delay in the availability of the rebate to people. If the date was to be pushed much further back, it would be unfair to people who have meters, are monitoring their water usage and are entitled to a rebate. In our view, this would not be acceptable. For that reason, we cannot accept the amendment.