David Cullinane (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I am simply making the point that this amendment relates to whether there will be an ability to pay element to this charge. We cannot have a discussion about this charge in isolation and not refer to all the other charges that people have been asked to pay by this and the previous Government. It is impossible. We must set the context for the introduction of this charge. The context is, as I have said to the Minister of State already, the introduction of the universal social charge, more direct taxation than ever before, the introduction of the property tax to pay for local services and now the water charge. Consideration has not been given to ability to pay at all.

The Minister of State made the point earlier that Irish Water can borrow money, which could make up some of the shortfall. However, that money will have to be paid back. Who will pay it back? That will come from the charge too.