Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The remark that was made by a Deputy at last week's Fine Gael Parliamentary Party meeting was withdrawn. The Government recognises there are legitimate areas of public concern, on which the Government reflected this morning and on which the Government will act.

The Deputy mentioned suspending water charges. I am not sure where he is coming from now because his party's programme following the troika stated there should be a minimum charge of €400 with no allowances. Fianna Fáil's budgetary position from last week refers to reducing the impact of water charges. It stated that the imposition of water charges will be a significant burden on all households and that Fianna Fáil was committed to an examination of the structure of water charges to introduce a greater degree of fairness and recognition of ability to pay. I understand the concern about ability to pay. However, Fianna Fáil did not include anything about suspension of water charges in its budgetary submission last week.

See this speech in context