WATER REFUNDS POSSIBLE AFTER POSITIVE EXCHEQUER RETURNS

Labour spokesperson on water, Jan O’Sullivan TD, has called on the Government to clarify it’s position on water charge refunds.

It comes as the latest Exchequer figures show there is enough extra tax revenue to repay those who paid.

Deputy O’Sullivan said:

“Another day has passed with members of the Government voicing widely divergent positions on and off the record, on whether those who paid their water charges should be refunded.

“The Taoiseach should show leadership now, rather than procrastinating for another few months.

“It has also been reported that Michael Noonan told the FG parliamentary party meeting that there is money available to refund law abiding citizens who paid their charges, and today’s Exchequer returns confirm this.

“The Expert Report on water clearly says that those who paid their charges should ‘be treated no less favourably than those who have not’.

“Every other party has made their position clear on this, while Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil procrastinate.

“Fianna Fáil has run for cover once again, and appears to be proposing that those who haven’t paid should be pursued.

“Meanwhile FG have split with some TDs and Ministers in favour, and some against.

“Leaving a decision on refunds until March would mean a year would have passed with no clarity for law abiding citizens.

“There is no need to kick this decision to the committee, as for refunds to occur, it requires the Government to make a decision.

” A line needs to be drawn under this long running saga.

“The Government should commit now in principal to refunds and end the confusion”

ENDS