Clare Daly (Dublin North, Socialist Party)
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Question 122: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government noting that the recommended design figure for water usage is 180 litres per head per day, EPA 1999, that the allocation per house allowed when a commercial user shares a meter with a domestic user is 225 cubic metres annually, DOELG Circular WSP5/06, equivalent to 154 litres per head per day for a four person household and that the current average water use in the State is approximately 150 litres per head per day, Commercial Survey Ideal Standard March 2010, if he will confirm that his proposed prior to charging daily allowance will be at least equivalent to the domestic house allowance provided for in DOELG Circular WSP5/06. [7123/12]

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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The Programme for Government provides for the introduction of a fair funding model to deliver clean and reliable water. The Memorandum of Understanding with the EU, the IMF and the ECB also contains commitments for the reform of water services delivery and operation and the introduction of domestic water charges. To meet these commitments, the Government intends initiating a universal water metering programme in advance of the introduction of water charges. 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 free allowance to be provided to households or the method for its calculation. The reforms also propose that economic regulation of the water sector will be assigned to the Commission for Energy Regulation. My Department will be consulting with the Regulator on the approach to the free allowance in advance of the introduction of water charges.

On 16 January 2012, I commenced a public consultation on the Government's proposals for reform of water services delivery in Ireland, including metering and water charges, seeking views from the public on the establishment of a public water utility and the introduction of water charges. The details of the consultation process can be found on my Department's website and submissions can be made to my Department until 24 February 2012.