Ulick Burke (Galway East, Fine Gael)

Or go to an office. However, all of these mechanisms will incur a cost - for example, the cost of employing staff to man the computers or offices through which payments can be made.

Bearing in mind what Deputy Hogan and I stated on Second Stage, there must be a failure to realise that many sections of councils have been depleted of staff. In respect of collecting for water services, the council can cut off the water supply to make people pay up. In this instance there is no such danger apart from the fine of €20 per month for the balance. It is crazy to make the system so complicated given the sum involved, with no definite method by which those charged can pay.

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