Joan Collins (Dublin South Central, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I support this simple Private Members' motion that clearly reads, "That Dáil Éireann calls on the Government to abolish household water charges and fund investment in water and sanitation infrastructure through progressive taxation." It is signed by myself, by Sinn Féin Members and by Independents 4 Change Members so it is a broad motion. Fianna Fáil's role in this issue has to be put on the record. In 2010, Fianna Fáil agreed charges as part of the troika deal. At the recent election in February, its election material clearly stated that it would abolish Irish Water and water charges. It did not promise suspension with loads of sugar on it in the form of a commission. Its submission proposes to abolish water charges but with a provision whereby Irish Water could be brought back again in the future, along with water charges. It states that Irish water can fix problems in the meantime.

Where is Fianna Fáil on this? It is typical of supporting the Government on one hand while, on the other, leading in opposition. There is nothing new in its politics of being all things to all people. It tries to rob the clothes of the left but has no problems discarding them as soon as it deems it necessary to show its true colours as the party of the elite and the establishment. Fianna Fáil states it will not support the motion because it means nothing and that its Members will vote on the issue when it comes through the commission and the committee process as there will be legislation at that point. However, they could support it to indicate the party's intent.

I hope the Labour Party and Fianna Fáil will support a Bill which will be introduced to the Dáil in the next couple of weeks. The Thirty-fifth Amendment of the Constitution (Water in Public Ownership) (No. 2) Bill 2016 is to amend article 28 of the Constitution to make the Government collectively responsible for the protection, management and maintenance of the public water system and to ensure, in the public interest, that this resource remains in public ownership. All Members of the House have said they support keeping water in public ownership so I assume they will all vote for the legislation when it comes to the Dáil.

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