Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

We saw the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Deputy Alan Kelly, put the Government motion re so-called water sector reforms before the Dáil yesterday, only to run away before the Opposition got to debate the issue. This is representative of the current Government's attitude to both the Dáil and the public: duck and hide, avoid accountability and answering questions at all costs. We have seen many examples of this and not only in recent times.

What did the Minister actually tell us? We now know that, despite all the demonstrations and public outrage at these unfair charges, the water tax is, according to Fine Gael and the Labour Party, here to stay. The process of putting meters in the ground will continue and there is no further mention of an improved water service infrastructure. Equally serious, there will still be no right to water in Bunreacht na hÉireann.

The Government leaked some of this information in recent days, mostly in an attempt to assuage the fears and anger of the public. It has underestimated the public, however. The public understand that this is simply a starting point on a slippery slope to ever-increasing charges. The public also understand that this is a great opportunity to get rid of water charges once and for all. The protest planned for 10 December will show this Government that water charges must be abolished.

I welcome the recognition of the Minister, Deputy Alan Kelly, that the Government has made mistakes. Finally, we have some openness on this issue. It is, however, regrettable that the full mistake is neither recognised nor acknowledged. The motion before the House refers in generalities to Irish Water as a long-term strategic investment project, one that aims to support indigenous economic activity. There is not much concern shown for struggling families in today's difficult economic climate. The motion condemns non-peaceful protestors, as do we. However, I note nothing, no reference whatsoever, to the overwhelming mass of people who have shown great resolve and solidarity in mobilising to counter these charges.

The measures announced include a water conservation grant of €100; a reduction of 50% if only water supply or waste services are used; a further reduction of 25% on charges per 1,000 litres; an end to the requirement for PPS numbers; and bills that will issue from the first week of April 2015. These measures are confirmation that the water charges as first proposed were totally inappropriate and unfair. Let us not be fooled: the water tax remains, albeit in a water tax lite form and only up to the end of 2018.

During his contribution the Minister, Deputy Kelly, used the phrase "benefits for consumers", not a phrase we might have expected from someone in a party that claims the principles of Connolly. These consumers are citizens. It is clear that the pro-privatisation bent of Fine Gael has rubbed off on that party's current partners in Government.

Deir an tAire Kelly linn go bhfuil seans ann go mbeidh roinnt teaghlach níos fearr as ó thaobh airgid leis an gcáin uisce seo. Tá sé seo fíormhaslach dóibh siúd nach féidir leo na táillí seo a íoc faoin Rialtas Lucht Oibre seo mar dhea. The Minister, Deputy Alan Kelly, asked us how he was to find leaks without metres. In this he forgets the massive section of water infrastructure that exists before pipes enter homes and other properties. No mention is made of anything to rectify the fact that we have one of the highest rates of leaking from the system in any developed country.

It is most unfortunate that we have had to wait so long to hear of this water tax lite. The public have demanded abolition. We hear talk of a permanent water charge cap. How will this work? Can we trust these claims? I fear not. We have been told that the Government is planning legislation to ensure Irish Water cannot be privatised without a plebiscite of the people. When can we expect this? I note that job advertisements for a new board combining Irish Water with its parent company Ervia will be publicised from tomorrow to allow for "stronger governance and improved setting of strategic objectives". This is to be welcomed, though I imagine they have their work cut out for them.

These changes to the water charges represent a significant climb-down by the Government. This shows that it was totally out of touch with the public when it first announced the scheme. Let us make no mistake about it: the Government is still totally out of touch, because what the 200,000 people who have already gone on to the streets to demand was not the water tax lite package announced yesterday, something that many cannot afford nor accept. What they what and what our voices in this House demand is the withdrawal of these charges altogether. Cuirim i gcoinne an rúin.

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