Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)

I thank the Ceann Comhairle for allowing me the opportunity to speak in this debate on water charges and the urgent need to protect householders from extra taxation. We should be honest as once again people are being hammered and taxed for the greedy actions of others. They are being penalised for the dumping of another €24 billion into the banks. That is the real world now for many householders, low-paid workers and the unemployed.

Some 1.2 million people now have less than 5% of their income remaining at the end of the month after paying essential bills such as mortgages and utilities. This drives people further into poverty and hinders growth in our economy. A new flat-rate household charge will be foisted on householders and families by this new Minister, "Poll Tax" Phil. He is widely known by this name in Dublin North-Central. Instead of hitting workers and the unemployed with more taxes and spending millions of euros introducing water meters, we should invest in the real cause of wastage, which is the ancient water pipe network.

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