In a hardly surprising move, new laws enabling Irish Water to deduct unpaid bills from wages and social welfare entitlements have passed the first hurdle in the Dáil.
The Civic Debt Bill passed 70-43.
In light of this, opponents to water charges have said that such bill will not be enough to stop people from enacting a mass boycott of the charges.
Also, opposition TDs have criticised the handling of the debate preceding the passing of the bill. It is understood the debate was terminated before all TDs had a chance to speak.