Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein)

Water, as the Taoiseach conceded, is essential for a decent standard or quality of living. He stated the speculation as regards costs that is doing the rounds in the public arena is just speculation. However, in the absence of any clarity from the Government, there will be such speculation. The Taoiseach has failed this morning to indicate in any substantive way for the citizens of the State what level of charge they will face. It is most astonishing that he will not rule out the prospect of cutting off water supply to homes. That is a disgrace and I ask him, when he gets to his feet again in a moment, to make crystal clear to people who are very worried as they watch this that the water supply to their homes will not be jeopardised.

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