Fidelma Healy Eames (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Given the importance of water for public and private health, I welcome the Government's decision that a household's water supply may not be disconnected for non-payment of a water bill. In such circumstances, who will be responsible for the payment of the bill? Who will pick up the tab if people cannot be disconnected for non-payment? A delicate balance must be struck on this matter. It is critical that water supplies are not cut off because we need water to live and for good health.

We need water to live and for good health, but we are about to introduce water charges, which means that people will have to pay. If we all to decide not to pay our bills in the knowledge we will not be cut off, what is the incentive to make us pay and how will the Government and, more to the point, Irish Water manage this?