Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent)
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461. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government if it is intended to launch the first fix free policy in respect of water leaks detected on the homeowner side of the main; the budget that has been earmarked for the scheme; the way it is intended to work; the persons who will carry out the work; the arrangements that are in place for those who are currently being served with notices in respect of such notices in advance of the new policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40500/13]

Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent)
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462. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government in view of the fact that Irish Water is due to assume responsibility for group schemes that have already been taken in council charge or are due to be taken in charge by December 2013, the arrangements that will apply to those not yet in charge by that date; if social and environmental considerations will apply to the remit of Irish Water in such matters; if the timescale is realistic in view of the fact that some scheme trustees are deceased; where there are bonds, the time line for calling those bonds in if deemed appropriate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40501/13]

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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I propose taking Questions Nos. 461 and 462 together.

The Programme for Government sets out a commitment to the introduction of water charges based on usage above a free allowance. The Government considers that charging based on usage is the fairest way to charge for water and it has, therefore, decided that water meters should be installed in households connected to public water supplies. The Water Services Act 2013 provides for the establishment of Irish Water as an independent subsidiary within the Bord Gáis Éireann Group and assigns the necessary powers to allow Irish Water to undertake this metering programme.

As part of the metering programme, my Department, in conjunction with Irish Water, is currently working on a proposal regarding customer-side leakage, implementation arrangements have yet to be worked out with Irish Water for which are not yet available.

Arrangements for the group water sector will be addressed in the Water Services (No. 2) Bill 2013 which is currently being drafted by the Office of the Attorney General. My Department will remain responsible for the overall policy and funding of the non-public water sector, including the group water sector and the local authorities will continue to be responsible for the supervision of the sector. Over the past decade, substantial improvements have been made in the group water sector, reflected in improved infrastructure and management and leading to greater compliance with drinking water standards. This has been accomplished through a partnership approach between my Department, the local authorities and the group water sector itself, with the important involvement of the National Federation of Group Water Schemes. This co-operative approach will be maintained as the reform of water services provision is progressed.