Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Independent)
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165. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government if there will be any exceptions to water charges for persons living with illness or disability where increased water usage is necessary due to their medical condition such as frequent washing or toileting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15501/14]

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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With effect from 1 January 2014, Irish Water is responsible for public water services. The Water Services (No. 2) Act 2013 provides that Irish Water can collect charges from its customers in receipt of water services provided by it. T he Act also provides that responsibility for the independent economic regulation of the water sector is assigned to the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) and the CER has been given statutory responsibility for protecting the interests of customers.

The approach to charging will be outlined by Irish Water in a water charges plan to be submitted by it to the CER in line with the provisions of the Act. The CER will be responsible for approving the water charges plan which will set the approaches to charging domestic and non-domestic customers.

An inter-departmental working group has been established to advise the Government on the appropriate method for addressing affordability issues which may arise with the introduction of domestic water charges. This includes the examination of issues arising for those with specific medical conditions, which require high water usage. The group comprises officials from my Department and from the Departments of the Taoiseach, Social Protection, Public Expenditure and Reform and Finance. A report will be submitted for consideration by Government based on the group’s examination of the issues involved and the Government will decide on the proposed approaches to be taken in relation to affordability, medical needs and the free allowance.

The CER will announce its decision on the approved water charges plan in August 2014. In making its decision on the approval or otherwise of the first water charges plan, the CER will take into account the decisions made by Government on the funding model for Irish Water, including the funding available for a free allowance and any proposed affordability measures.