Johnny Mythen (Wexford, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputies McDonald and Ó Broin for tabling this important Bill. It simply comprises the repeal of Part 2 of the Water Services Act 2017. The Bill would protect citizens by prohibiting Uisce Éireann from introducing a customer charge for the use of water in excess of a specific threshold amount. Recent reports have flagged that the Government is intent on introducing water charges. Although it has denied this, it would not be beyond the bounds of truth to say water charges have been on the table for Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael since 2009. However, the charges were utterly rejected by the Irish people. When Right2Water organised there were 100 massive demonstrations throughout the country in 2014.

We know the plans for water charges are now taking a different strategic approach and are being filtered through a piecemeal incremental package, such as the option of the introduction of a charge for the excess use of water. This would eventually lead to the introduction of a charge by volume which, in turn, would entice private companies to compete with Uisce Éireann and possibly take over our water resources altogether. Water is a human right and must always be protected. We have seen what the privatisation of water means and the consequences that follow. Just look at the story of the Homrich Nine in Detroit, where a private company came in and turned off the water of more than 83,000 people during a heatwave. Look across the water where water charges increased by 26% in April, with an increase of 27% in Wales. The Government must give a full commitment to the citizens of this country that our water networks must never be privatised and that the right to water will be enshrined in the Constitution. If the Minister is serious and honest about not introducing water charges, he should back the Bill. I urge all Deputies to protect the people's interest and support the Bill.

See this speech in context