Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Independent)
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485. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government the position regarding water charges in respect of persons (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35277/14]

Clare Daly (Dublin North, United Left)
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510. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government if payment for water charges can be made in post offices; and if there is an extra charge if someone pays in this manner. [35755/14]

Alan Kelly (Tipperary North, Labour)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 485 and 510 together.

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 defines a customer as the occupier of the premises in receipt of water services. 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.

In July 2014 my predecessor issued a direction under Section 42 of the Water Services (No. 2) Act 2013 which addressed a number of matters relating to domestic water charges including the provision of a free household allowance. In addition to the above, the Government has agreed to put in place further affordability measures to assist pensioners, persons with disabilities, and carers who receive the Household Benefits Package. The conditions and administrative approach to this additional measure are being developed by the Department of Social Protection.

The proposed approach to charging was outlined by Irish Water in a water charges plan which it has submitted to the CER in line with the provisions of the Act. The CER recently held a public consultation on this plan which covered a range of issues, including a number of proposed payment options. The CER is currently reviewing submissions received on the consultation and a determination will be made by the CER later this month. Full details of the CER public consultation are available on