Fine Gael veto welfare water charge waivers

A bid by Labour to waive water charges for all social welfare recipients was blocked due to fears it would encourage people to refuse job offers, Fine Gael sources insisted.

As the Cabinet was finally set today to agree a memo detailing water charges, it emerged elderly people on state or invalidity pensions, and those on disability allowance would receive a €100-a-year package to help with the cost.

A senior Fine Gael source said the party refused the exemption for social welfare claimants because with the average charge remaining at €240, it would put more of a financial burden on middle-income earners, and disincentivise people from accepting job offers.