Softer stance on Irish Water bill defaulters

People who refuse to pay their Irish Water bills will not be brought to court until their debt reaches at least €500, effectively delaying any cases until 2017 — long after the general election.

New Government legislation has also specifically ruled out the previous threat of jail for anyone who refuses to pay the controversial charge in a bid to entice people to register.

Under the Civil Debt (Procedures) Bill, published yesterday by Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald, anyone who has a €500-€4,000 debt for a provided service such as Irish Water can be forced to pay the sum through a salary or social welfare attachment order.