Advertisement

Kenny: No decision yet on bringing people to court over unpaid water bills

The Taoiseach has said no decision has been made on whether people could be brought to court for ...
Newstalk
Newstalk

07.31 24 Mar 2015


Share this article


Kenny: No decision yet on brin...

Kenny: No decision yet on bringing people to court over unpaid water bills

Newstalk
Newstalk

07.31 24 Mar 2015


Share this article


The Taoiseach has said no decision has been made on whether people could be brought to court for not paying water bills.

However, Enda Kenny says he is supportive of any measure that will encourage people to pay their Irish Water bills in full.

A government spokesman says the issue was not discussed at cabinet today, but pointed out that Irish Water will not have the power to disconnect customers as other utilities can.

Advertisement

In the Dáil this afternoon the Taoiseach said the government wants full compliance with the new system of water charges.

“The Minister for the Environment is dealing with this problem," Mr Kenny said.

"He has not year brought his propositions to government for consideration and for decision, But he will bring them shortly to government and government will ensure that the legislation here sets out the criteria for full compliance with the law,” Mr Kenny said.

Details emerged earlier today of how the government intends to recoup unpaid water charges.

According to newspaper reports, new laws will see Irish Water have the power to go to the District Court for an attachment order, in a process that's expected to work more quickly than regular court proceedings.

If its granted, the order would see outstanding charges deducted from someone's salary or benefits before they're paid out.

The charge could also be registered against the property, so that it couldn't be sold without the debt being paid.

Brendan Ogle spoke to Lunchtime today and claimed that it "sounds like a Minister trying to spin his way out of a massive demonstration on Saturday.

"This is a total and utter waste of money.

"Alan Kelly... should for once listen to the people. He described 80,000 people on Saturday as a rump.

"This is a man who is the Deputy Leader of a party that can't fill its own conference, has got 7% of the polls and probably won't win a single seat at the next general election."

In respect to the government pursuing people, he said: "If they feel they are owed money, they can pursue who they think is the debtor through the courts, there's nothing new in that."

He had some other choice things to say about Alan Kelly too:

Meanwhile, Anti Austerity Alliance TD Paul Murphy has stated that chasing unpaid water bills with a fast-track court system will backfire on the government.

Deputy Murphy is accusing the government of trying to scare people:


Share this article


Read more about

News

Most Popular