Paudie Coffey (Waterford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

This has been a most interesting debate with strong views expressed on all sides of the House. The section is about charges, and I was asked a specific question about water quality by Senator Ó Clochartaigh. If the EPA or HSE issues a boil water notice or a restriction on water no charge will apply for that water supply. The Senator also asked about district metering. Some local authorities already use district metering to get a picture of consumption in larger areas. This is widely applied. District metering does not promote conservation as accurately as individual meters. Individual meters can identify leakage on private property. We have already seen that substantial leaks are being discovered through meters being installed. I hope these points clarify these issues.

The Government has listened to the people who have displayed concern in recent months. We have introduced clarity and certainty in the charging system. It is capped at €160 per annum for a one occupant household and €260 for multiple or family households. The charge has being made that this is not clear and is confusing. Every household in the country, irrespective of whether it is on a public water supply, well or group scheme, will be entitled to a conservation grant of €100. Senator Cullinane opposes this, as do many other Senators, but this grant has been introduced by the Government to assist people who have been paying for water for many years and those who will become customers of Irish Water. They can use it for water-saving devices and conservation measures-----