Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Question 429: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the position regarding the proposed new water meters; if any contracts have been given out for this work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27193/11]

Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Question 430: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the position regarding the proposed new water meters; if there will be any specific educational requirements needed to install these meters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27194/11]

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 429 and 430 together.

The Progamme 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 consideration of the approach to be taken for the procurement and installation of meters. There will not be any new educational requirements for the installation of meters which can be installed by plumbers and other suitably qualified tradespersons.