Eoin Ó Broin (Dublin Mid West, Sinn Fein)
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24. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government the nature of legal advice both his Department and Irish Water have received relating to article 9.4 of the Water Framework Directive and the derogation within; and if he will publish this legal advice. [18489/16]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Since 1 January 2014, Irish Water has statutory responsibility for all aspects of water services planning, delivery and operation at national, regional and local levels. Irish Water has established a dedicated team to deal with representations and queries from public representatives. They may be contacted via email at oireachtasmembers@water.ie or by telephone on 1890 578 578.

With regard to specific advice obtained in relation to Article 9 of the Water Framework Directive and water charges, my Department was informed by Ervia, as part of a general update on Irish Water matters, that Ervia had sought such advice. Ervia has provided my Department with a copy of the legal advice it obtained on the application of Article 9 of the Water Framework Directive. As this is advice obtained by Ervia, any question regarding its publication would be a matter for the company itself.

My Department has sought the advice of the Attorney General in relation to the Water Framework Directive and water charges and this issue is under examination by that Office.  As would be normal with the drafting of legislation, the Office of the Attorney General has also been fulfilling an advisory role in relation to the Water Services (Amendment) Bill 2016, which is designed to suspend domestic water charges for a period of at least nine months from the end of the current Irish Water billing cycle.

The suspension period is to allow for the establishment of an Expert Commission to consider and make recommendations on the long term funding of public domestic water services by Irish Water. These recommendations will be considered by a Special Oireachtas Committee and the Oireachtas will then ultimately vote on the enduring funding model for such services into the future.