Mary Upton (Dublin South Central, Labour)
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Question 415: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Science if there are any concessions in relation to water rates for schools that have acquired a green flag status; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13677/10]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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The Deputy will be aware that each local authority sets its own water rates.

Under the Water Framework Directive, the payment of water charges is required with effect from 1 January 2010. The legal advice available to the Government is that schools, like other non-domestic water services users, must pay the full cost of water services used on a metered basis.

While no specific concessions are available to schools that have acquired green flag status, schools' water bills will decrease if they use less water.

As advised in Circular 64/2009, issued by my Department, the recommended per capita usage is 2.1 cubic metres per annum. However, data from local authorities indicates that water consumption levels in many schools remains too high. It is therefore incumbent on all schools to seek to put in place conservation measures to reduce water consumption.

Schools were advised of actions they could take to reduce water consumption in Circular 46/2008, which was issued by my Department in April 2008. They were advised to develop a water management plan, in order that they would be familiar with the water distribution systems serving the school and the areas where water is used along with potential areas for wastage and leakage. Practical suggestions for reducing water consumption, along with examples of best practice, were also included.

I wish to draw the Deputy's attention also to Circular 57/2009, which is available on my Department's website. Circular 57/2009 outlines the funding available through the Summer Works Scheme 2010 for water conservation measures, which will have the effect of reducing schools' water charges and of contributing to environmental sustainability.