Tom Fleming (Kerry South, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

298. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government if he will consider the needs of the severely disabled and those caring for persons with disabilities when water charges are implemented; if he will consider not only reducing the flat rate charge for these families but also increasing their standard water units to cater for the increased demand caused by the disability; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20082/14]

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

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. The 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.

An Inter-Departmental Working Group was 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 that require high water usage. The Government has decided today, following consideration of proposals in relation to the funding model for Irish Water and taking account of the work of the Inter-Departmental Working Group, to provide a free allowance of 30,000 litres of water supplied and waste water treated per annum for a primary residence on a public supply. The Government has also decided to provide for an additional free allowance to cover the normal usage of water services by every child in their primary residence based on the same qualifying conditions as child benefit, such that water charges will in effect only apply to adults in such households. The normal consumption is estimated at 38,000 litres annually per child of water supplied and waste water treated and so the allowance being provided will be up to 38,000 litres per annum. This level of consumption will be verified over time through actual data from metering.

The Government has also decided that charges will be capped for those customers with particular medical conditions which necessitate high water usage. These decisions will be communicated to the CER through a Ministerial Direction issued in accordance with the Water Services (No.2) Act 2013. 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 and the approach to be taken to charging.