Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Independent)
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618. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government if he will address a matter (details supplied) regarding water charges; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15570/15]

Alan Kelly (Tipperary North, Labour)
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The overall package of measures on Irish Water financing announced by Government last November is designed to make water charges more affordable for customers.  The charges structure was revised with a view to making it simpler and fairer, providing more clarity and certainty to households.   The overall cost for those who register with Irish Water, net of the €100 water conservation grant, is either €1.15 a week for single adult households or €3 a week for all others. Water supply will not be reduced under any circumstance.  When it comes to payment, a range of easy pay options are in place, including direct debits, electronic funds transfer, payment by cash at any retail outlet with a paypoint or payzone sign or a post office where a bill can be paid in full or part payments of a minimum of €5 can be made. Irish Water also intends participating in the Household Budget scheme.  This facility, operated by An Post on behalf of the Department of Social Protection, provides customers with a facility to have their household utility bills and social housing rents deducted directly from their weekly social welfare payment.

The Government intends to bring forward legislation to enhance the collectability of domestic water charges, building on the approach set out in the Water Services Act 2014. Further details on the modalities involved will be available on publication of the draft legislation following Government approval.