Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Question 532: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the source of the figures regarding[i] per capita [/i]usage of 3.5 cu. m of water in view of circular 0064/2009 issued by his Department; the source that suggests that 2.1 cu. m of water is considered best practice; if he will provide a copy of the data; if the data are based on a survey of schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42605/09]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Question 546: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if he will seek clarification from each local authority of the consolidated charge per cu. m of water used by each primary and post-primary school; if he will provide such information; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42673/09]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 532 and 546 together.

The source data for per capita usage of 3.5 cubic metres of water is Circular WSP1/08 which was issued by the Water Service Policy Section of the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government.

This Circular refers to published UK best practice, which is detailed in CIBSE Guide L published in May 2007 and entitled "Sustainability". This report suggests best practice benchmarks of 2.7 cubic metres per pupil per year at both primary and post primary level.

In comparing UK figures against anticipated usage in Irish schools, a number of factors were taken into consideration. For example, most UK schools have catering facilities for students, while most Irish schools do not. The UK school year is also longer than the Irish school year. Consequently the expectation is a lower best practice figure for water consumption in Irish schools.

An independent report was carried out for my Department on water consumption in 3 schools. On the basis of the outcome of this report and taking the UK position into consideration, best practice water consumption was set at an average of 2.1 cubic metres per pupil.

An internal report on Rain Water Recovery in GRD (Generic Repeat Design) schools was produced by an independent Building Services Consultant. This report also suggests water usage rates per pupil in each school at just over 2 cubic metres per pupil per year.

As the Deputy will be aware, my Department has introduced a Water Conservation Measures initiative as part of the Summer Works Scheme 2010. The Department will monitor the outcome of this initiative using its energy website www.energyeducation.ie. Best practice usage may change based on the data collated under this exercise.

My Department has feedback from some local authorities on metered water consumption. However, it is not its intention to seek comprehensive information from all local authorities on this issue at this time.

I will arrange for additional background information on water usage in schools to be forwarded to the Deputy.