Fidelma Healy Eames (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Anyway, let us get back to the meat of the amendment. I thank the Minister of State, Deputy Coffey, for answering the questions. I am grateful that he has acknowledged the difficult circumstances that some families are in. The effect on me when I heard the charge was not coming in on 1 October and then perhaps on 1 January was striking. I was relieved and took the view that at least it was not another thing to worry about, if only for a few months. I will explain why. I was talking about myself, but let us imagine what is it like for families who are trying to juggle so much, including mortgages, debt and the costs associated with children. To be honest, water is well down the pecking order, but it is another thing to worry about.

Of course, the biggest issue for families is that we do not know how much leaks will cost to repair. I realise the first leak is meant to be paid for, but unless there is a gradual lead-in to the charge, instead of bringing it in in one fell swoop, it will be a worrying time for families. The Minister of State commented on how, in respect of a family with a sick child or a child with difficulties who needs large amounts of water, the maximum charge could apply post-2019. Can the Minister of State explain that? I do not fully understand it. Will the Minister of State outline the maximum charge and clarify whether it could apply post-2019?

More worrying is another point that shows the inequity in this Bill. It is something I had not noticed before, although perhaps others have. Is the Minister of State suggesting that the rebate would only apply after the meter is installed? I heard the Minister say that. Does everyone else have to pay the full charge without a rebate because they do not have a meter installed? If so, it is blatantly unfair to all of us who do not have meters, especially if we have to start paying on 1 January. In fact, it is a total outrage. Everyone in this country is of the understanding that a family of more than one adult and two children will pay €260 less €100.