Kenny contacted about alleged Garda wrongdoing

Taoiseach Enda Kenny has revealed that in the past two weeks he received a number of correspondences alleging wrongdoing by gardaí.

He said three dozen cases of allegations had landed on his desk, some of which were serious. “I do not know if they are true or not,’’ he added. He said he had to define who was responsible for determining that. Some of the allegations went back a long time, said Mr Kenny.

The Taoiseach was speaking in the Seanad on the establishment of an inquiry into the recording of phone calls in Garda stations.

Senators last night also called on the Government to provide clarity on water charges. David Cullinane (SF) said the Minister of State responsible for Irish Water, Fergus O'Dowd, should be asked to attend the House to discuss the issue. "What we are getting from the Government at the moment is leak after leak, pardon the pun.''

John Crown (Ind) also said Mr O'Dowd should come before the House to clarify the position on water charges.

“I am not naïve; water is not free and . . . the provision of infrastructure to deliver it safely to people’s houses incurs a cost, and society must tackle the issue.’’ Mr Crown said

there should be a 100 per cent write-off of the fixed charge against other taxes people were already paying.

Paschal Mooney (FF) said people had no more to give in payments, and he urged everybody eligible to vote in next month's elections.