Coalition remains divided over contentious water charges

The Coalition remains in disarray over the introduction of water charges, with members of both parties at odds over whether details will be agreed by next week.

Labour is insisting it will not be rushed into agreeing amounts homeowner must pay, while Fine Gael is insisting a decision will be taken before the local and European elections next month.

Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore said yesterday that he wished the issue of water charges had been dealt with months ago but that the junior Coalition party would not be tied to any deadline.

“We’re going insist on getting it right,” said Mr Gilmore. “We’re not going to be bound by any timetable. We have to ensure that we deal with the issue of households who won’t be metered and deal with the issue of ability to pay.

“I’d like to do that quickly, frankly I think it should have been dealt with months ago.”

However, Fine Gael ministers say water charges will be decided at Tuesday’s Cabinet meeting. Environment Minister Phil Hogan, whose department advises on policy for the tax, said the matter would be decided next week.

Party colleague and Minister for Children Frances Fitzgerald said that charges would be on next week’s agenda.

Taoiseach Enda Kenny has committed to revealing how much people will pay for the new charge — which begins in October — before next month’s local and European elections.

Junior finance minister and Dublin European candidate Brian Hayes yesterday said: “I think people should know, and that’s certainly the view of the Taoiseach and the Government, and I know the Government is working hard to see if we can resolve this issue.

“Whether it can be resolved by the next Cabinet meeting is a matter for the Government to work out over the next few days.”

Last week’s Cabinet meeting saw Labour ministers express surprise and annoyance at efforts by Fine Gael to rush through agreement on an average charge of €240 per home per year.

Labour deputy leader Joan Burton yesterday said the issue of how low income households would be charged had to be still resolved. She was “disappointed” at the limited progress made on metering at homes but it was probably too late to have the new charge postponed.

Education Minister Ruairi Quinn said the volume of water consumed in households was unknown.

He said agreement was needed on the issue.