Joan Collins (Dublin South Central, United Left) | Oireachtas source

Before the 2011 general election, the current Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Deputy Howlin, indicated that his party was not in favour of water charges and did not believe in a flat rate. He argued that everybody's home could not be metered. He and many backbenchers made that claim. Nevertheless, the Government introduced and implemented those water taxes, which affect ordinary people.

The Tánaiste indicated that trust is an essential part of public life but the Government has lost that trust. Tomorrow, on international human rights day, the people will send the message to the Government that they have no confidence in it. I will be out there with them.

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