Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

It is increasingly clear the Tánaiste still has not understood what the people are saying on the issue of water charges. Hard-pressed families are not looking for a temporary reduction in their bill. Families at risk of poverty, including working families, are not looking for a social welfare payment. In October, 100,000 people marched through Dublin and made this crystal clear. In November, 150,000 people marched throughout the State and made this crystal clear. They are simply not in a position to pay this unjust charge. They are opposed to it and they are telling the Government to scrap it. Instead of listening to the people, the Government is cooking up some half-baked package of measures which it hopes will get it through the next general election. This is not good enough.

The Tánaiste claims she wishes to help people so perhaps she can help today. Will she give a commitment that she will not allow unpaid water bills to be deducted at source from people's wages, pensions or social welfare? Will the Tánaiste further confirm she will not allow attachment orders to be used by Irish Water to enforce payment?

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