Clare's Independent TD believes the Goverment could fall as a result of the ongoing disagreement over water charges.
Clare's Independent TD believes the Goverment could fall as a result of the ongoing disagreement over water charges.
Deputy Michael Harty says the issue has caused more dissatisfaction in the Dáil than other social issue facing the country.
He believes that those who have paid should be refunded, despite a senior cabinet Minister saying that the money has already been spent on our water infrastructure.
The issue of water charges is continuing to be debated, after an expert commission made recommendations on how the country's water infrastructure should be funded.
The report said the majority of people should receive their water supply for free with charges for wasteful use, and that those who have paid their bills shouldn't be at a disadvantage.
This has led to calls for people to be refunded but a senior cabinet Minister has said that the money has already been spent on our infrastructure.
Minister Simon Coveney says it'll be up to a special Oireachtas committee to decide if people who didn't pay will be prosecuted.
Clare's Independent TD says the water charges issue has caused more disatisfaction that any other issue facing communities across the country.
Dr Michael Harty believes that pursuing those who haven't paid would cause social unrest that refunding those who have paid is the easiest option.
He fears the water charges issue could bring about the dimise of the current Government:
Meanwhile, a Junior Minister is demanding equal treatment for rural dwellers.
Seán Canney says if people living in towns are given water for free, some help should also be given to people with their own wells or on group water schemes, which have proven very expensive for the people who use them.
He says the new Oireachtas committee on water needs to make sure everyone gets the same assistance, regardless of where they live:
