Paul Murphy (Dublin South West, Anti-Austerity Alliance) | Oireachtas source

Right2Water yesterday clarified that they oppose any excessive usage charges. The witness may envisage an excessive usage charge that is about conservation as opposed to revenue-raising, and may possibly lose money. However, such an excessive usage charge could be a Trojan horse for broader charges. There could be pressure to raise revenue, reduce allowances and increase prices. What is originally introduced as a conservation measure could become a revenue-raising measure over time. Something similar happened with bin charges. At present, 51% of revenue due from water charges remains outstanding, a sum of €173.76 million. Probably the majority of people have paid only some of their bills. Does the Department have an estimate of how many people have water charges outstanding? Presumably it is in excess of 51%. It could be as high as 75%.