Water grant referred to EU over sign-up persuasion claims

EU corporate governance officials have been asked to examine the Government’s Irish Water conservation grant over claims that it is simply an “inducement” to encourage people to sign up to charges.

Independent senator Gerard Craughwell said he has requested that the European Commission investigate the issue. He was speaking during a Seanad debate on the Environment (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill.

The bill would oblige landlords to provide information on tenants to Irish Water and introduce a database on who has paid their charges. It passed through the Seanad by 20 votes to 14 yesterday and is set to become law.