Fidelma Healy Eames (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am not concerned about those who will not pay but those who cannot pay. Is there a provision for a means-test so they can prove they cannot pay? Will there be a facility for community welfare officers to assist those who cannot pay? Simply, one cannot get blood from a stone. There are many people in tough situations with debt. We have moved on from that debate about the numbers with serious issues with mortgage payments and in fear of their homes being repossessed. Banks are much tighter now and are refusing to take interest-only arrangements from their clients. They are now writing to people to repossess their homes. I am talking about people who have fallen on tough times, marriages split up, not able to get maintenance, getting occasional part-time work and doing everything to fund the mortgage interest but now the banks are writing to repossess their homes. Putting a water bill on top of this will make it unsustainable for those in such circumstances. These people may just need three years support to get back on their uppers. Is there a means for them to get a waiver from the water charges or support from their community welfare officer?