Yesterday saw the publication of a major report pertaining to proposed water charges. The Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Deputy Phil Hogan, has indicated his intention to introduce water charges in January 2014 and to repair leakages at the same time. The report yesterday indicated that Irish Water will be seeking hundreds of millions of euro to deal with the level of leakages in the system, with an estimate that some €600 million per year will be required in the next ten years. The undertaking to introduce water charges is included in the programme for Government. We are aware, however, that the level of leakage is up to 40%. There is, moreover, a very poor quality of water in some areas and, in some instances, leakages have nothing to do with households. In that context, does the Government still intend to proceed with the introduction of charges for all households, irrespective of the quality of the water itself, of the water supply or of the associated infrastructure?

This is a matter of considerable importance. The different local authorities throughout the country have operated independently for many years in the way water systems were supplied and water standards devised. Irish Water will introduce nationally applicable standards. The intention is to introduce the water charge levy in October 2013, with the first bills coming through from 1 January 2014. Irish Water, once it is established, will have responsibility for all extensions, repairs and so on, which will necessitate the local knowledge of local authority engineers. As I understand it, leakages from the public meter to individual households will be repaired on a once-off basis. It is a matter for Irish Water to decide, on the basis of the evidence it obtains from local authorities, how to carry out the renewal, repair and extension of pipes. The body will set out its programme in that regard.

I am informed by my learned friend, an Teachta Pearse Doherty, that the Taoiseach may have given the wrong date and that water charges will be introduced in January 2015 rather than January 2014.

Thank you, Deputy Doherty.

The Deputy will keep the Taoiseach right.

There is an axis of collusion between the Government and Sinn Féin.