The Taoiseach and the Fine Gael leader traded insults today on the Government’s possible introduction of flat-rate water charges.
Enda Kenny said a media report had suggested that the introduction of the charges might happen in the December budget following a Department of Finance briefing.
This was in complete contradiction to the public statements made by Minister for the Environment John Gormley on a number of occasions, he added.
“Therefore, in the interests of the 1.8 million householders out there…to give certainty to this…can I ask the Taoiseach to confirm that there will not be the introduction of flat-rate water charges in the December budget?” he added.
Brian Cowen replied: “We have not even begun budget discussions yet.”
Mr Kenny said the Taoiseach’s answer was absolutely typical of what was wrong with the Government. “You cannot believe a word out of your mouth,’’ he added.
Mr Kenny claimed the Taoiseach was refusing to rule out the introduction of the charges, despite comments made by the Minister for the Environment.
He added that the renewed Programme for Government made the Government’s intentions very clear. It intended “to introduce charging for treated water use that is fair, significantly reduces waste and is easily applied”.