Alan Farrell (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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Question 346: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the proposed cost and timeframe involved in the installation of water meters for households; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24898/11]

Brendan Griffin (Kerry South, Fine Gael)
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Question 359: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if the administration of water charge billing will be subcontracted to the private sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24989/11]

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 346 and 359 together.

The Programme for Government provides for the introduction of a fair funding model to deliver clean and reliable water. The objective is to install water meters in households connected to public water supplies and move to a charging system based on usage above a free allowance. My Department is currently preparing a strategy to implement these proposals, which will include estimates of the cost of metering and consideration of how the metering programme is to be funded and procured. The Programme for Government also proposes the establishment of a new State-owned water company, Irish Water. The Memorandum of Understanding between Ireland and the European Union and International Monetary Fund commits Ireland to undertaking an independent assessment of the establishment of a water utility. Work on the independent assessment is underway. The assessment will examine the optimal organisational structures for Irish Water and will also include recommendations on the functions to be assigned to the company (e.g. administration of billing and collection functions).