Laws to allow water bills taken from wages passed

Laws to allow unpaid water bills be deducted from people’s wages or dole were passed by the Seanad, despite warnings the moves may affect employment prospects or result in personal financial details being revealed in court.

The controversial “compliance” measures, introduced by the Coalition to encourage people to pay up, will now be passed to the president to be signed into law.

The Civil Debt Bill passed through the Upper House yesterday and, despite objections from opposition senators, was not subject to amendments.