Kenny promises speedy decision on water charges

Taoiseach Enda Kenny has pledged that a Government decision on water charges will be made quickly. He was speaking in the Dáil yesterday following a Cabinet meeting at which a final decision on the issue was deferred.

Mr Kenny said one of the issues being discussed was how older citizens and people with medical needs would be dealt with when water charges are introduced. Government sources have suggested another Cabinet meeting might be held this week on the issue.

While there is broad agreement over the introduction of the system, which will introduce an average charge of €240 a household, there is continuing anxiety in Labour over the proposal for an annual standing charge of up to €50 and the fact that for the first year, most households will pay an assessed charge.

Minister for Public Expenditure Brendan Howlin said yesterday that making “the right decision” was the most important thing. “The objective of the Labour Party is to ensure that while water charges have to be introduced, that they’re done in as fair and as equitable a way as possible,” he said.

He highlighted the importance of affordability, saying people are already “pushed to the pin of their collar”. “We need to ensure this is done in as fair a way as we can and have all the issues addressed before we present a comprehensive package,” he said. “I think we’re very close to that point now.”

Minister for Agriculture Simon Coveney said he expected a “cordial and professional” discussion on water charges. He denied that there was tension within Cabinet and said he hoped some agreement could be reached at today’s meeting.

Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams said that Cabinet discussions about the proposed water tax had nothing to do with conservation, clean water, or saving taxpayers money but were all about cobbling together a pre-election stunt.