Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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The Irish Independent reported yesterday on a briefing from the Department of Finance that the introduction of flat rate water charges may happen in the December budget. This is in complete contradiction to the public statements made by the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government on a number of occasions. In the interests of giving certainty on this to the 1.8 million householder in Ireland I ask the Taoiseach to confirm that flat rate water charges will not be introduced in the December budget.

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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We have not even begun budget discussions yet.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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That was brief.

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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The Taoiseach's answer is typical of what is wrong with this Government because one cannot believe a word that comes out of his mouth. He refuses to rule out flat rate water charges, despite the comments made by the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. Yet, on page 5 of the renewed programme for Government the Government's intentions on this are very clear. It states, "We will introduce charging for treated water use that is fair, significantly reduces waste and is easily applied. It will be based on a system where households are allocated a free basic allowance with charging only for water use in excess of this allowance". It is a complete contradiction of the briefing given by the Department of Finance to the Irish Independent and a complete contradiction of the statements made by the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government.

Why is the Taoiseach not in a position to honour the pledge and commitment given in the programme for Government? The system of flat rate water charges is unfair, inequitable and not environmentally sound because one ends up with a situation whereby the poor pay the same as the rich. Fine Gael will oppose a flat rate water charge because we have taken a very firm view on metering and charges for water in excess of allowances granted. In view of the comments made by the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government and the very clear statement in the programme for Government on this matter, will the Taoiseach now confirm that a flat rate water charge will not be introduced in December and will he bring some certainty to people's lives in regard to their family incomes?

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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Deputy Kenny comes in here every week and asks me to confirm or deny the following before we discuss the budget or anything else. I know exactly what is in the programme for Government and that is what informs Government policy. Deputy Kenny asks me on 29 June 2010 to confirm what is or is not in the budget in December 2010.

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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I am asking-----

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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The Deputy indicated he is opposed to this, that and the other. In fact-----

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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I am opposed to a flat rate water charge.

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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In fairness, the Deputy is consistent.

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Is it the Government's intention to introduce a flat rate water charge?

Séamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
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Allow the Taoiseach to continue without interruption. We have limited time for Leaders' Questions.

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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He should answer the question he was asked.

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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The question asked of me, in the strong new persona of the new leader of Fine Gael, was to tell him now, "Yes" or "No", what is in the budget. I cannot do it, sir.

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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He does not believe in his own programme for Government.

Séamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
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Deputy Kenny, we only have provision for one supplementary question.

Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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Tell him to answer the question.

Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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It is not a Fianna Fáil Government; it is a Green Party Government.

Séamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
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Deputy Kehoe, could we have ciúnas?

Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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Turning yellow for the Green Party.

Séamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
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We have visitors in the House.

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Well, let them know we do not believe a word the Taoiseach says.

Séamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
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Deputy Kenny, please, there is no provision for a second supplementary question.