Brian Stanley (Laois-Offaly, Sinn Fein)
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Question 93: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding his plans to introduce water charges and the consideration he has given to the implication of this charge to low income households and the time frame in which he plans to do this. [7072/11]

Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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The programme for Government proposes the installation of water meters in individual households and the introduction of water charges based on usage above a free allowance. My Department is currently preparing a strategy to implement these proposals, including a strategy for the procurement and installation of water meters. It is envisaged that the installation of meters will commence in 2012 and will be managed by a new State-owned water company.

While the combination of a free individual allowance along with existing income supports should minimise the impact on low income households, I will be consulting further with the Minister for Social Protection on the matter.