Andrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Question 432: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the position regarding water metering; the plans in place for water metering in the short to medium term; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3464/12]

Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Question 439: 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; the way persons interested in the installation of water meters can apply for these positions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3525/12]

Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Question 440: 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. [3526/12]

Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent)
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Question 446: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if, in view of his recent announcement regarding jobs in relation to installation of water meters, he will outline the type of work he envisages, method of recruitment, pay scales and timeframe. [3633/12]

Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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Question 447: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the timeframe for the installation of water meters; if there is any, the usage allowance per domestic dwelling; and the indicative cost to be attributed to the householder per cubic meter. [3634/12]

Andrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Question 454: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the current position regarding water metering and if no current position is available the plans that will be put in place for water metering in the short to medium term. [3889/12]

Aodhán Ó Ríordáin (Dublin North Central, Labour)
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Question 464: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government in view of the proposed introduction of water charges, if he has considered the appropriate levels of water pressure for households; if allowances will be made for those homeowners living in areas of Dublin North Central with consistently low water pressure; his views that these homeowners are entitled to reasonable water supply services in advance of or as a result of the imposition of water charges; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4017/12]

Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 432, 439, 440, 446, 447, 454 and 464 together.

The Programme for Government provides for the introduction of a fair funding model to deliver clean and reliable water. The Programme for Government also commits to the establishment of Irish Water, a State company that will take over the water investment and maintenance programmes of the 34 county and city councils with the key aim of supervising and accelerating the significant investment needed to update the State's water and wastewater infrastructure.

The Programme of Financial Support for Ireland with the EU/IMF/ECB also contains commitments to prepare proposals for implementation of the recommendations of an independent assessment of the transfer of responsibility for water services provision to a water utility and that water charges would be introduced.

On 16 January 2012, my Department commenced a public consultation on the proposed reforms, seeking views from the public on the establishment of Irish Water and the introduction of water charges. Persons wishing to participate in the consultation process can make submissions to my Department before the close of business on 24 February 2012.

The Government has indicated its intention to commence the installation of water meters in households connected to public water supplies later in 2012. This will facilitate moving to a charging system for domestic water users that is based on use above a free allowance as provided for in the Programme for Government. No decision has been taken on the level of the proposed free allowance.

It is envisaged that the metering programme will create up to 2,000 jobs per annum over a three-year period and that installation contracts will be awarded to a significant number of private contractors. The nature of the work will involve minor excavation and reinstatement works and will provide much needed employment in the construction sector. The types of jobs involved could include general operatives, plumbers, fitters, supervisors, contract managers and accounts and administration staff. The recruitment of staff and ensuring that they have the skills to carry out the necessary works will be the responsibility of the private contractors. A quality assurance system will be put in place to ensure that contractors install the boundary boxes and meters to a common and agreed set of standards. The procurement strategy for the metering programme is being finalised and no contracts have yet been awarded. Tenders processes will be managed in accordance with national and EU procurement guidelines.

It is proposed that regulation of the water sector will be managed under the Commission for Energy Regulation. The primary role of the regulator will be to protect the interests of customers and to ensure a consistent and appropriate level of service is provided to customers; the regulator will be given appropriate powers in this regard.