Brian Ó Domhnaill (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Recently we learned the Minister of the Environment, Community and Local Government, Deputy Hogan, is examining transferring €500 million from councillors in the local government fund to Irish Water, or at least making provision to do so under local government legislation. Perhaps this is from where some of the money will come. It is a debate we can have when discussing the local government Bill.

There must be an ability to pay clause. One cannot force people to give money which they do not have. People will be criminalised for not paying or they will be turned into debtors to the State if they cannot pay. It is regrettable to force people into such a position. The vast majority of Irish people want to pay their bills. When they are not in a position to do so we in opposition must stand up because it is our job to protect them as best we can. I know it is not easy to be in government and introduce new legislation, but where legislation on charging and taxation is introduced it must be progressive. Allowances must be made for those who cannot afford to pay, and an avenue to have the charge written off must be available to people who can demonstrate they are not in a position to pay. This must be built in to the legislation.

No independent arm is included the legislation whereby someone can write to an organisation, a Department, a local authority or Irish Water regarding ability to pay. I suggest local authorities would be given such a remit to make representations to Irish Water on behalf of families who cannot pay. The local authority could research the situation, based on information gathered from working closely with the Department of Social Protection, and make the case to Irish Water. This should be considered. It might alleviate the burden and provide a platform for people to genuinely make a case where they cannot afford to pay. The Minister of State should give it serious consideration.