Michael Collins (Cork South West, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I am happy to speak on this very important topic this evening. Like many of my colleagues, I was very much opposed to the introduction of water charges in this country. I welcome the fact that this Bill provides for the discontinuation of the domestic water charges fiasco that was set up under the 2014 Water Services Act. It also sets out provisions for the refunding of payments made to Irish Water by a large number of taxpayers.

I am embarrassed that we have had to reach this point. Had the Government listened to the people of Ireland we would not now have to refund €173 million, thus creating a further deficit of at least €5 million for administration costs. I also note that the Government recently announced that there would be eight referenda over the next two years, yet the long-promised referendum on Irish Water and the fear of its privatisation has not even been mentioned. This is very disappointing. I recently responded to a letter to the editor of a hugely popular local magazine in south-west Cork, The Opinion, in which a concerned citizen raised the issue of the payment of water charges through general taxation. This is a huge problem to my constituents, many of whom supply their own water. The plan to pay for water through general taxation will now mean a double charge for these people and for people on group water schemes. It is only fair that these people be able to avail of a tax-free allowance for the money that they have outlaid. I understand that this would not fully compensate those on group schemes but it would help in some small way to ensure they will not be hit by double taxation. This is a Bill that people will not be able to cope with. In west Cork we have seen the closure of our banks, our Garda stations, and many other local services. In addition to this, the previous Government hit us with property tax and the universal social charge as well as the loss of carer's allowance, debt grants, child benefit and many other payments. At the time I warned the Government that the introduction of water bills would be one step too far for the ordinary people of this island. As we know, however, the previous Government put people's concerns into second place. It did not listen, thus leading to the biggest movement of people across the country shouting "stop". They eventually won through. As a public representative, I hope that those who were charged will get back their payments.

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