Paudie Coffey (Waterford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Deputies raised several issues on which they were contacted by members of the public during the registration campaign, in particular relating to PPS numbers. It is considered normal to require PPS numbers in any interaction with the State where entitlements or allowances are claimed. I remind Deputies that it is incumbent on Irish Water to appropriately manage the provision of free allowances which are being funded by taxpayers. Strict laws and protocols govern the use of PPS numbers that are overseen by the Data Protection Commissioner and the Department of Social Protection. There is no question of PPS data being shared with anyone expect the Department of Social Protection. I urge people to provide the necessary information to claim their household allowance, which is worth €146 per annum, and the free allowance for qualified children worth €102 per child.

I urge people not to listen to Members of the Opposition. In fairness, I do not include Fianna Fáil, but many Independent Members, including those from the People Before Profit Alliance, have urged people not to register and not to pay. We saw what happened when they held public meetings around the country urging people not to pay the household charge and the property tax. Those who did not were left with added penalties and liabilities. Some of the Deputies holding the meetings charged €5 entry to the meeting-----

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