The way that Government approached the introduction of water charges clearly points to an administration intent on reaching even deeper into our pockets and mopping up whatever money it can to sustain itself as it seeks re-election in 2016.

Irish Water has said it will not repair plumbing on private properties where there are excessive lead levels in the water from old piping.

A Cork-based heating and plumbing contractor Barry Murphy topped the list of tax defaulters over the fourth quarter of last year, owing a total €991,864 in back taxes, interest and penalties.