Sean Barrett (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I welcome what the Minister has said about the need to deal in a fair and kindly way, as best we can in these constrained circumstances, with those who cannot pay. This is a poll tax of €260 on a couple and €160 on a single person for what was previously financed by progressive taxation. We have changed the basis for financing the water business, and that presents serious poverty problems. The Bill is so heavily based on engineering that it does need a social dimension. I hope the Minister's Department will liaise with those studying poverty in this country.