Joan Collins (Dublin South Central, United Left) | Oireachtas source

I am opposed to the introduction of this water tax. While the motion is straightforward and makes sense, it is a bit cynical of Fianna Fáil to move it as it would introduce the water tax if it was in power. At the same time, the proposal before the House is a straightforward recognition that people who have water that is contaminated or needs to be boiled should not pay for the product. The Government is making it a product by establishing Irish Water.

It is a fact that €1.2 billion was collected through VAT and motor tax to pay for water services over the last number of years. Where has that money gone? Why did it not go to conservation of water and the fixing of leaky pipes? This tax, which the Government will introduce by whatever means, will take more money out of the pockets of those who spend in our local economies. The idea of saying there will be allowances on which CER has not been able to make up its mind for children, those with medical needs and even those who have to boil their water makes no difference. Irish Water wants to raise €500 million out of this. If allowances are made in some areas, other households will have to pay for that to make up the €500 million. I concur with Deputy Pringle that Irish Water will be able to go to the energy regulator and say it cannot raise the money it needs and require a change.

This is about another austerity tax, not conservation of our water. It is not about supplying water to the people of this country. The 1.7 million households which will pay consist of people who have children and medical needs and everything else associated with water. Water is a human right. That is a message the Government has forgotten. It is a human right and it should not be paid for this way. It should be paid for through progressive taxation or a 1% wealth tax generating €500 million. The Taoiseach said today that not introducing Irish Water would mean bringing in more taxes. Bring in more taxes on wealth. That is what should be done in a progressive taxation system.

While water metering is taking place, over the last 15 days not one water meter was installed in Crumlin. The people in the community came out and said to GMS "No, we do not want them". Peaceful protesting has meant that in 15 days not one water meter has gone in. GMS moved out of the area this morning as it could not put the water meters in. These people know that even if they do not have a water meter, they will still get bills in January. People hate and resent this tax. They will have to make up their own minds as to what they want to do as part of a campaign and decide if they are willing to take on the Government. The Government will have a great deal to answer for.

Many people were congratulating the new Ministers. If the Minister, Deputy Alan Kelly, keeps going the way he is, he will be thought of in the same way as Deputy Phil Hogan has been thought of.

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