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

On 17 September, it was estimated that between 15,000 and 20,000 people, or up to tens of thousands, gathered in Dublin for the Right2Water demonstration. It was a very impressive mobilisation. People took a stand by their attendance, a stand I believe will help ensure an end to this ill thought-out effort to impose a tax on a basic human right, the right to water. Aside from the numerous public demonstrations held across the country, the recent election saw a majority of Deputies elected who ran on a platform in opposition to water charges.

This has sent a clear message to this Government that people are not accepting the introduction of water charges. The democratically expressed will of the people must be respected.

Regarding some earlier comments, let me make one thing absolutely clear. I am the longest serving member of my party in this Chamber and, as an elected representative, in this State, let me say that Sinn Féin has been a consistent voice in opposition to water charges through all my years of political activism. Never ever did it falter.

The flip-flopping of Fianna Fáil on this issue must be embarrassing for some of its number. One week it says it supports the abolition of domestic water charges but the next week it votes against a motion calling on water charges to be abolished. In recent weeks, Fianna Fáil has announced a policy of permanently abolishing water charges and funding Ireland's water system from general taxation again. What exactly is its policy?

It is not so much about me and my colleagues posing this question during this debate. It is a real question among vast swathes of public opinion today. Today, Fianna Fáil has an opportunity to clarify its position on this matter. It should vote in favour of the motion and show its support for the abolition of water charges. If it votes against the motion, it will show its uncertainty on this issue and the possibility of its continuing to support its retention.

I appeal to Fianna Fáil to end the mixed messages and ask that there be no more confusion. Today, all Members have an opportunity to vote against this hated tax and I urge all Deputies who are genuinely opposed to water charges to vote in favour of the proposition. To do otherwise would be to continue the disgraceful politics of speaking out of both sides of one's mouth on a given issue. Let us have clarity and be sure where every Deputy stands on this issue. The electorate deserves to know.

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