Fianna Fáil would support FG on Irish Water contracts, Martin says

Fianna Fáil would support a Fine Gael-led minority government in honouring any existing contracts with Irish Water in the event of a deal being done on the suspension of water charges, Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin has said.

Mr Martin was questioned in Carrigaline in Co Cork on Monday about reports that Fine Gael was offering a two-year suspension of water charges as part of a government formation deal and the implications that that would have for Irish Water billing staff based in Mr Martin's Cork South Central constituency.

“We have been very consistent. We say in our manifesto that outstanding contracts have to be fulfilled,” said Mr Martin.

He said the issue of Irish Water has to be addressed in any deal between Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael on the formation of a Fine Gael-led minority government.

“We need to stand back and say look what happened in the election - a majority of Dáil deputies were elected on the basis of their opposition to Irish Water and water charges - there are various nuances to those policies but I think it’s fair to say a majority of TDs are opposed to Irish Water.

“It is clear to me that the water issue has to be resolved in advance of the formation of the government if it is to have a genuine chance of surviving . . . we are simply saying that if we do not resolve this before the government is formed, the government’s longevity is endangered.”

Refunds

Mr Martin wouldn’t be drawn on whether he believed that the 900,000 people who have paid their water charges should be entitled to refunds if a deal is done on the suspension of future charges.

Asked about refunds for those who have already paid their water charges in the event of a deal, Mr Martin said: “We have been very clear in our manifesto - everybody under the law is under obligation to pay their charge - those who haven’t paid yet still have to pay and will have a debt, because it’s always been our view that the law of the land must be upheld.”