Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent)
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263. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government if the intention by Irish Water to reduce pressure or supply to a home where there is a dispute over payment of charges will impact upon the ability of the emergency services, in particular the fire brigade; if a health and safety audit has been undertaken with regard to this issue and if he will publish the findings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36361/14]

Alan Kelly (Tipperary North, Labour)
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With effect from 1 January 2014, Irish Water is responsible for public water services. Section 21 of 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. Section 21 ( 6) of the Act provides that such charges do not apply to a fire authority within the meaning of the Fire Services Act. Irish Water has also confirmed to my Department that its operations will not interfere with the work of a fire authority.