John O'Mahony (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Everyone accepts that the manner in which water charges have been rolled out has caused confusion and fear, which has been exacerbated by the inability of people to contact Irish Water to get logical answers. The staff at the end of the telephone line do not seem to be equipped to provide answers to those who want to pay for their water. This is a rehash, albeit on a more massive scale, of the arguments we had over SUSI and the household charge, which are a distant memory. I am glad last week's budget demonstrated fairness and reflected an effort to support the vulnerable. I presume when the finance Bill is published, other anomalies will be addressed. For example, people on group water schemes have always paid for their water and they also deserve tax relief.

There have been many calls during the past week for heads on a plate on this issue. I do not agree with that. We need to address this issue quickly to give people certainty. There are many ways this could be done, including an extension of the deadline now rather than at the last minute and elimination of anything that can be construed as a bonus. It has been stated that people at the top are in receipt of 19% bonuses while bonuses for people at the bottom are of the order of just over 1%. Even if acceptable, these bonuses, in terms of the manner allocated, need to be addressed. There is also a need for a total overhaul of the way in which queries are dealt with. I acknowledge there has been an improvement in this regard in recent days. The data provided in last weekend's newspapers in regard to call-out charges is ridiculous. This issue also needs to be dealt with.

There has been total confusion since commencement of the distribution of the registration letters. I was told Yesterday by a postman who operates out of a small post office in my constituency of Mayo that hundreds of these letters are being returned every day. If that is what is happening in rural areas, one wonders about the situation in urban areas. This, too, must be addressed.

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