Richard Boyd Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, People Before Profit Alliance) | Oireachtas source

I also think it is unacceptable that, as the whole country is aware, Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael are currently debating the issue of water charges as part of the discussions on the formation of the Government because they fully understand that this is one of the key issues that produced the election result we just had. It is also one of the defining issues informing the discussions on the formation of the Government, but this House is not being allowed to discuss it.

As Deputy Adams mentioned, we have also signed the motion calling for a debate on water charges. The Government should allow this House to debate that issue particularly as Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael are now debating it. There are already some signs of the U-turn being the first issue on the agenda when it comes to water charges. This House should have the opportunity to put forward its views. While many issues are up for discussion on the formation of the Government, one thing seems to be absolutely not up for discussion. This House was mandated to get rid of water charges because more than 90 Deputies sitting here today are present because their manifestoes opposed water charges.

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