Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

The Taoiseach's answer is typical of what is wrong with this Government because one cannot believe a word that comes out of his mouth. He refuses to rule out flat rate water charges, despite the comments made by the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. Yet, on page 5 of the renewed programme for Government the Government's intentions on this are very clear. It states, "We will introduce charging for treated water use that is fair, significantly reduces waste and is easily applied. It will be based on a system where households are allocated a free basic allowance with charging only for water use in excess of this allowance". It is a complete contradiction of the briefing given by the Department of Finance to the Irish Independent and a complete contradiction of the statements made by the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government.

Why is the Taoiseach not in a position to honour the pledge and commitment given in the programme for Government? The system of flat rate water charges is unfair, inequitable and not environmentally sound because one ends up with a situation whereby the poor pay the same as the rich. Fine Gael will oppose a flat rate water charge because we have taken a very firm view on metering and charges for water in excess of allowances granted. In view of the comments made by the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government and the very clear statement in the programme for Government on this matter, will the Taoiseach now confirm that a flat rate water charge will not be introduced in December and will he bring some certainty to people's lives in regard to their family incomes?

See this speech in context