Joe Behan (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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Question 623: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if there is an exemption clause within the EU Water Framework Directive which allows the status quo regarding water charges to be invoked once the Government makes an application to that effect to the European Commission by the end of 2008; if he will pursue these exemptions on behalf of schools, hospitals, farms and care centres; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14845/08]

Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 667: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will support a matter (details supplied). [14596/08]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 623 and 667 together.

There is no exemption from water charges available in Article 9.4 or elsewhere of the EU Water Framework Directive for schools, hospitals, farms or care centres. This has been repeatedly confirmed by the European Commission. The only exemption available to Ireland, and availed of, is contained in Article 9.4 and relates to dwelling houses using water for ordinary household purposes.