President asked to sign water charges law to allow refunds by Christmas

The Government has asked President Michael D Higgins to quickly sign off on new water charges legislation so that refunds can be issued to households before Christmas.

While legislation to scrap the current regime and introduce an excess charge is going through the Dáil, the Government yesterday agreed to ask the president for an early signature on the Water Services Bill.

A spokesman said it was still hoped that refunds would be issued before Christmas, as previously promised by Taoiseach Leo Varadkar. This will mean refunds of more than €173m going to about 990,000 householders. Payments of over €300 could be received by some households.