Brian Walsh (Galway West, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I do not share the concerns that Deputy Stanley has expressed in regard to metering. There are already systems in place to deal with that under existing landlord-tenant law and existing leases. I do not believe it is an issue that will cause huge concern for tenants.

I would urge tenants, landlords and home owners not to follow the advice of Deputy Murphy, Sinn Féin and some Independent Deputies by boycotting this charge. I have seen what can happen. Two ladies attended my constituency clinic in recent weeks who wished to avail of some grant assistance to work on their homes and they find that the property charge, which was modest initially, has now escalated. In one case, the lady took the advice of her son not to pay the charge and she ended up paying considerably more than she would have paid if she had registered.

The same will befall those who refuse to pay the water charge. A very reasonable charge has been introduced. For a single person who registers, a fee of €160 applies, minus the €100 water conservation grant, giving a net cost of €60 per year. That equates to one ATM withdrawal in Greece. It is a very reasonable figure and I urge homeowners and tenants to ignore the advice being presented by Opposition Members. They should register and pay the charge. Ultimately, they will end up paying it one way or another.

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