Damien English (Meath West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am not going there, it is a fact.

The Commission in response to a recent question submitted by two Irish MEPs has stated that the current practices that apply in Ireland would mean that the Article 9(4) provision, the so-called Irish derogation, is no longer an option. Earlier this month, Deputy Coveney met the European Commissioner for Environment, Maritime Affairs and Fisheries to outline the process under way in relation to the suspension of domestic water charges and to deliver the process of the long-term funding model for the delivery of domestic public water services. Again, the Minister set out the terms of reference of the expert commission, which among other things will have to take cognisance of our obligations under the water framework in their examination of the issues. The Minister also set out the role of the Oireachtas as part of this process as well.

It is not a pre-determined outcome. The decision on this will be in the hands of both Houses of the Oireachtas, which includes the committees. It will be well informed and there will be no hiding.