Politics

Finian McGrath does u-turn on water charge refusal

Minister says ongoing non-payment would ‘distract’ from his work

Minister of State Finian McGrath says he is ‘still deeply sceptical about the motives’ of the water charge ‘and the ability of the service to deliver’. Photograph: Eric Luke / The Irish Times
Minister of State Finian McGrath says he is ‘still deeply sceptical about the motives’ of the water charge ‘and the ability of the service to deliver’. Photograph: Eric Luke / The Irish Times
Fiach Kelly
Fri May 13 2016 - 18:28

Minister of State with responsibility for disability issues Finian McGrath has done a u-turn on his refusal to pay water charges, saying he would now pay to avoid the issue becoming “a significant distraction” from his work.

The Independent TD for Dublin Bay North had previously refused to pay his charges, and this week consulted the Attorney General on the issue.

In a statement on Friday evening, he said: "The manner in which Irish Water was set up and its approach remains personally unacceptable to me. I'm still deeply sceptical about the motives and the ability of the service to deliver...

“However I recognise that recent government negotiations which I was involved in have brought forward a mechanism to review the provision of water and its infrastructure.

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“It will be crucial for the review to take into account the positions of people who have paid their charges as they should not be disadvantaged. The issue will be argued on the floor of Dáil Eireann at which point a democratic decision will be arrived at.

“I have fought for many issues over the course of my career but none more so than the issues facing our country today including homelessness, health and care of the elderly, cystic fibrosis, education, small businesses and of course rights and services for people with disabilities as well as many other issues.

“I now find myself in a position where I have the opportunity to oversee real development and policies in our areas of need. I have a responsibility to try my best to deliver for the people who are relying on me in these areas.

“I know that priorities must be set and I do not believe that my not paying the water charge at this stage will greatly alter the situation for Irish Water.

“The debate has moved on and it will be a matter for Dáil Eireann in due course. It is clear to me that not paying the charge will become a significant distraction to other important work and I’m determined that this will not be allowed to happen.

“To that end I will now regularise my situation with Irish Water and pay my charges.”