Taoiseach supports proposals to deduct water bills from wages, social welfare

Taoiseach Enda Kenny has expressed his support for Minister for the Environment Alan Kelly and his proposals to ensure compliance with the payment of water charges.

Mr Kenny told Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams said he awaited the Minister's proposals to ensure "fairness and equality of treatment" and "compliance" in paying the charges.

Mr Adams raised the issue in response to proposals by the Minister to seek attachment orders to take money directly from the wages or social welfare payments of those who refuse to pay the water charges.

Mr Adams hit out at the Government’s approach to setting up Irish Water and implementing water charges. “You wasted €650,000 on a new advertising campaign and you give away €85 million of taxpayers’ money to private consultants,” he said.

Mr Adams asked what legal process would be involved in forcing payment from those refused to accept the charge and if the Taoiseach supported Mr Kelly’s proposals.

Mr Kenny said no decisions had been made by the Government but “I do support the Minister for the Environment”.

He added: “ I await the Minister coming before Cabinet with his proposals to ensure that there is fairness and equality of treatment and compliance in respect of the modest contribution that is required for water.”

Mr Kenny said “we’ll consider and decide on the proposals that the Minister will bring and I support him in what he’s trying to do here to provide a proper high quality water supply for business and for consumer alike”.