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

It is a collective decision, there is no hiding from that. The commission is here to advise, implement and to deal with facts and truths, not opinions or ideas. It is facts, truth and choices. It will come down to choices. With every choice, there is an opportunity cost. My background is accountancy and opportunity cost can get very expensive when one goes looking for money for something else.

In my view the logic of having conservation, meters and charges is to try to reduce the amount of money we need to spend on water in the first place. We can then spend the money elsewhere.The cost of building a water or wastewater treatment plant is substantial, and I would prefer if this money were spent elsewhere. We should, therefore, try to reduce consumption and the capacity we require. The best way to achieve this is through metering and, in my personal opinion, charging, but the decision in the matter will be one for both Houses to make. I thank Senators for their time.