Water charge measures ‘smuggled’ through Dail

The Coalition has been accused of “smuggling” water charge compliance measures through the Dáil to force property owners and tenants to pay their bills.

The claims were made as a day-long anti-austerity protest outside Leinster House saw one garda knocked unconscious amid counter accusations of police brutality.

Compliance measures being debated in the Dáil yesterday and today will force tenants to agree to pay water charges in any new leases and for homeowners to foot unpaid bills before selling a property. The issues are contained in a miscellaneous environment bill.