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

The Tánaiste's answer was designed not to address the precise questions I have raised. Leaving aside entirely the fact she is clearly not listening to what people have told her, here is the clarity: people have told her in unprecedented numbers to abolish this charge. That is the message.

Let me return, if I might, to the two specific questions I put to the Tánaiste, who is also the Minister for Social Protection. I asked her specifically to give an assurance to the Dáil she will not allow for unpaid bills to be deducted from people's wages, pensions or social welfare. My second question is to confirm she will not allow for attachment orders to be used by Irish Water for unpaid bills. The House will sit next Friday and I understand there will be a vote. I have wondered to myself, and there is some speculation, that emergency legislation will be presented, perhaps to allow for these very things. Will the Tánaiste put people's minds at rest and make it clear today that she will not allow for deductions of unpaid bills from wages, pensions or social welfare? Will she please address the issue of attachment orders and make it clear she will not allow for the use of such orders by Irish Water in respect of unpaid bills?

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