Joe Higgins (Dublin West, Socialist Party)

The Tánaiste has not cleared up the confusion, from a legislative point of view, about the Government intention with regard to the new stealth taxes. Three have been proposed - water, property and the new household utility charge. What is the legislative provision for these? Specifically, will the Government introduce legislation this year to impose a water tax on householders? In regard to these charges, will the Tánaiste explain the Labour Party's shabby betrayal as he cynically abandons another election promise, having said he would not introduce water charges?

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