Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

Deputy Higgins wants to go on his sensational rant again. All public utilities, such as Bord Gáis Éireann and Bord Soláthair an Leictreachais, or, as it is now called, Electric Ireland, have protocols in place for persons who have a difficulty. There is a two-year process here for the discussion on the detail and the legislation in respect of Irish Water. I already made the point that the Government made the decision to award the responsibility to set this up to Bord Gáis Éireann. There will be 2,000 jobs created in the installation of the water meters. The decision of Government is not to increase income tax or to impose further taxes on jobs, and there will be no upfront charge for anybody. No more than any other public utility - this is being retained in public ownership - protocols and details of that matter are for the regulator and Irish Water to deal with over the course of the next two years.

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