John Halligan confirms he is not liable for water charges

Independent Alliance TD John Halligan has confirmed he is not liable for water charges.

Mr Halligan, who is due to be appointed a Minister of State later this week, has been criticised for not paying his bills.

However speaking to The Irish Times on Monday, the Waterford TD said he was not the owner of the property where he lives and is therefore not liable for the charges.

Mr Halligan said: “I have not been billed because I am not liable for the charges but even if I was, I would not pay them.”

"I have no intention of ever registering with Irish Water or paying any charge into the future.

“I fought the election opposing water charges. That position has not changed.”

Mr Halligan said his expected appointment as a Minister of State should not be affected by his opposition to the charges.

He said he had received legal advice which states that the non-payment of water charges is a civil issue between the householder and the utility.

The Waterford TD said it made no difference whether he was a politician, a Garda or a shop keeper.

Former Minister for the Environment Alan Kelly has called on Taoiseach Enda Kenny not to appoint Mr Halligan until he has paid water charges.

Mr Kelly said the Taoiseach must seek a guarantee from John Halligan that he will comply with the law.

Mr Kelly said: “It is incumbent on Taoiseach Enda Kenny to ensure that everybody who is privileged enough to be in a position to serve as a Minister in his Government fully respects the law. That includes John Halligan.”

Mr Halligan’s colleague Minister of State with responsibility for disability Finian McGrath was heavily criticised for not paying his water charges.

He made a U-turn late last week and confirmed he would pay the levies after consulting colleagues in the Independent Alliance, members of his local constituency team and Attorney General Máire Whelan before making his decision.

Mr McGrath said the issue has been “grossly exaggerated” by his political opponents.