David Norris (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I would like to deal specifically with this amendment. Section 3(13) of the Bill provides that "where a dwelling is provided with a water meter installed by Irish Water and, at any time after 1 January 2015, the average annual volume of water provided by Irish Water to that dwelling is found to be such that the charge for that volume, calculated in accordance with the approved water charges plan as provided for in this section, would be less than the maximum charge provided under subsection (3) which has been paid by a customer of Irish Water, then the customer who is charged for the provision to that dwelling of the water consumed is entitled to one and one only rebate". The effect of this amendment would be to push that date out further. Nothing could be clearer than that this causes a potential charge on the Exchequer. I stand on that. It is absolutely blindingly obvious. I ask the Cathaoirleach to accept that with the best will possible, there is an error in his ruling. If he is not able to accept that, could this be referred to the Committee on Procedure and Privileges? I am tired of many judgments and decisions of the Chair which seem to be arbitrary and capricious. There is no question of doubt, as far as I am concerned, that this creates a potential charge on the Exchequer. It must do because if the intention of this section is to avoid the payment of more than one rebate, the deferral of that provision would clearly, absolutely and obviously cause a potential charge on the Exchequer. There is no question of doubt about that. I say this without wishing to be impertinent or to challenge the Chair's ruling in an aggressive way.