Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour) | Oireachtas source

Every day more Ministers suggest they might favour a refund of water charges after all. The Minister, Deputy Coveney may be the last member of Cabinet to hold out on the matter. Reports of the Fine Gael Parliamentary Party meeting indicate that the Minister for Finance seems to be well disposed to the notion. Earlier this year, my colleague, Deputy Penrose, prepared a Bill, the water charges (fair treatment of customers) Bill 2016. Unfortunately because it imposes a charge, we cannot introduce it. I ask the Taoiseach to take on board this legislation. If not will he at least give a commitment to support the principle that law-abiding citizens who have paid their lawful charges will get a full refund?

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