Niall Collins (Limerick West, Fianna Fail)

Like other speakers, I, too, wish to make a contribution to the debate this evening. The motion, as worded, is short and provides us with an opportunity to have a broader debate on some of the issues pertaining to us. It is timely that we are discussing local government charges and their impact on business given our recent lengthy discussion in this House on Second Stage of the NAMA Bill 2009, Committee Stage of which will commence in the House tomorrow and continue next week. We are all aware of the stresses and pressures on business in terms of accessing credit and the resulting job losses in that regard.

On business, an issue often raised with me as a public representative is that of local authority charges, in particular the policies pursued by local authorities not in respect of commercial rates as mentioned by other speakers but in respect of water and waste water charges. Local authorities are charging a particular amount per cubic metre for water going into business and a different rate for waste water, which is crippling businesses.

There has been much debate in regard to the renewed programme for Government in terms of domestic water charges, a charge which it has been flagged will be introduced in the future. We will need to bring the proposed domestic water charges and waste water charges which are being foisted on business under one umbrella and to ensure charges are equitably spread. Business is suffering as a result of local authority charges.

I would like to see the Houses of the Oireachtas have access to the local government auditor. I am a member of the Committee of Public Accounts which has no power to bring before it for questioning the local government auditor in respect of any particular issue. We must ensure more joined up thinking if we are to keep charges down. There are many government agencies involved in the provision of social housing, a task which should be the responsibility of local authorities. The Health Service Executive provides rent supplement to people living in private rented accommodation while they are on the local authority housing list. There is no accountability in this regard. If this issue was dealt with under one umbrella we would achieve economies of scale and savings which would help drive down costs in the future.

Another issue brought to my attention as a public representative is that of the black economy, which as a result of the stresses and strains being experienced by people, is rife. It is incumbent on our State agencies to establish more whistleblower mechanisms in an effort to snuff out what is happening in the black economy. It was reported earlier on the news that social welfare fraud of the order of €200 million has been unveiled so far. The target is to make savings of €600 million in respect of social welfare fraud.

The main issue of concern for me is the water and waste water charges being imposed on businesses throughout the country and the banking issues surrounding NAMA. I echo the comments of other speakers in regard to the proposed payment by Allied Irish Bank of pay increases at a time when we are discussing potential wage cuts and job losses right across the sector. It is not acceptable that the banks which we are supporting are awarding themselves a pay increase.

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