Gerard Craughwell (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I wish to clarify a matter. Earlier I called for the Minister to come to the House, but this was in no way a slight or insult to the Minister of State. The Minister has been out and about on the airwaves speaking about how confident he is and I would rather see him standing up his confidence here than putting the Minister of State in the firing line. I have every respect for her and the role she carries.

I listened to the spokesperson for Irish Water on the radio. She confirmed that nothing will happen to people who do not pay this bill, the next bill or the bill after that. The water will still run in their houses. They will still be eligible to apply for the grant. Incidentally, I heard somebody from the other side speak about the fixtures and fittings for which the grant would pay. This is the first time in all of the talk about the Bill that I have heard anybody say one had to do anything for the €100. I would like to know what fixtures and fittings I can buy which will allow me to conserve water. As Senator Cullinane just said, the truth of the matter is the €100 is to keep us all shut up and get us to pay our charges.

I am getting a bit tired of listening to the Roscommon story. I am delighted Roscommon has fresh clean water to drink at long last-----