It has been confirmed today that every household that sends the registration pack back to Irish Water will receive €100 back from Social Welfare. The monies will reportedly be paid back in four installments of €25 each throughout the year.
But according to the Minister for Health Leo Varadkar, all the different figures being bandied around are likely to confuse and anger the public even more, due to lack of clarity.
Earlier in the week, Tanaiste Joan Burton said that the cost of water for a household of 4 adults would be €200, though she later confirmed that this was only her own view on the matter. The Taoiseach was displeased at this statement.
The Council for Economic Management met yesterday to discuss a new package of measures to try an appease public wrath on the issue of water charges. But last night, there were chaotic scenes in Dublin when three protesters were arrested and a 200-strong crowd gathered at the Garda station where they were being held. Riot police was in attendance. The three were later released.
Further massive protests are planned for December 10.