Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

No decision has yet been made by the Government in this regard. It is a signal that we intend to implement the programme for Government and comply with the conditions of the EU-IMF bailout deal. There will be no charge this year. I have already signalled as a general principle that water charges would apply only after a generous free allowance had been used. Of course the Government, in making its decision, will take into account those who are in distressed economic circumstances, whether because they are on social welfare or low incomes, or because of their mortgages.

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