There will be an average metered charge of €240 for water and children’s use will be free, Taoiseach Enda Kenny has said.

He was replying to Sinn Féin’s Peadar Toibin, who said there was a widespread belief among citizens that the majority of households would pay a charge much higher than the €240 figure suggested.

Irish Water, he added, had again failed to provide details of a new water tax in what could only be described as contempt for Dáil oversight.

“The appearance of representatives of the Commission for Energy Regulation at yesterday’s meeting of the environment committee was farcical,’’ said Mr Toibin. He added that the committee’s democratic function was obstructed, as it was denied vital information by which it sought to make decisions.

Directon

Mr Kenny said the direction given by the Government to the regulator, through Minister for the Environment Phil Hogan, was that the average metered charge per household would be €240 annually or €60 per quarter. The second element of that instruction was that children’s use of water would be free.

“It is a matter for the regulator to determine the allowance,’’ the Taoiseach added. “I have seen allowances have a range in different reports and surveys, but the important point is that the direction from the Government, through the Minister, is very clear.’’

Concern

Mr Toibin said there was widespread concern that the 38,000 litre per child free allowance might be ditched. The regulator, he added, had still not given full details on medical conditions that would allow certain users not to be charged for their supply.

“The clear message through the local and European elections to the Taoiseach’s party and the Labour party was that tens of thousands of people are teetering at the edge of existence, with the property and water charges pushing individuals over the edge,’’ Mr Toibin added.

“Recently we have seen people protesting right around the country and we have seen the suspension of Irish Water meter installations.’’

Mr Kenny insisted the policy decision made by the Government was clear.

He added that there was now a generation of young people and children growing up with a very different view from their parents on water wastage.