Trevor Ó Clochartaigh (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I did not interrupt the Minister of State. What he has said is not borne out on the ground. That is the genuine concern. People find it very difficult to pay their bills. Perhaps some of these 13,000 customers are also the people who will find it very difficult to pay their water bills.

The Minister of State did not answer my question. He talked about people who could pay. I asked about those who could not pay, the subject of the amendment proposed. Who will adjudicate on that issue? Will it be Uisce Éireann? If so, why should we think it will be any more understanding than the ESB, Bord Gáis Energy, or any other utility company? We have been told that no water supply will be cut off. What will happen? What measures will Uisce Éireann take to ensure it receives payment of the money from those it thinks can pay? What is its measure of ability to pay? I take it that it will not have the powers the Revenue Commissioners have of checking somebody’s income, how much tax they pay and how many dependants they have. Who will adjudicate? This is ill thought out.

Seanadóir Brian Ó Domhnaill’s amendment is fair and one we have to take on board. It is not just about politics. This is about people on the ground who are being put to the pin of their collar now and who will have to pay an extra utility bill as part of their weekly expenses. Will the Minister of State clarify what measures Uisce Éireann will be able to take? How will it effect payment? What powers will it have? Will it use standing orders? How can it go after people? If people do not hand over the cash, what will it do? Will it cut the water supply to a trickle? It might not be cut off completely. If it does, what will be the consequences for the households affected?