John Halligan to miss water bill vote

The Government has avoided a prospective controversy as John Halligan will be out of the country when an opposition water bill, which he signed before entering government, comes before the Dáil.

The Independent Alliance TD had been urged to support a bill due before the Dáil this week which calls for a referendum to ensure the public ownership of water would be enshrined in the Constitution.

The minister of state for training, skills, and innovation was among 39 TDs who initially signed the bill — and TDs yesterday called on Mr Halligan to back it.