Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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126. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government if he will confirm that group water schemes will not be included in Irish Water; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6084/14]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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127. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government if he will confirm that the current free allocation for group water schemes will continue to apply following the introduction of Irish Water; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6085/14]

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 126 and 127 together.

Irish Water are responsible for the delivery of services to customers on the public water and wastewater networks. My Department will remain responsible for the overall policy and funding, where appropriate, of the non-public water sector, including the group water 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.

The Programme for Government sets out a commitment to the introduction of domestic water charges based on usage above a free allowance. The Government will decide on the proposed approaches to be taken in relation to the free allowance in the near future.