There will be some measures put in place in Tuesday’s Budget for those on low incomes to help them in relation to water charges according to Labour TD Aodhán Ó Ríordáin.
Mr Ó Ríordáin told reporters that meetings had been held with the government and he and his Labour colleagues expect that there will be some mechanism for those on social welfare and in low income jobs would be able to benefit from.
However, he stated that the water charges were here to stay. He said if people wanted public services that work they had to pay for them. Mr Ó Ríordáin also said the Government had to convince people that by having a broad tax base that includes property charges and water charges there could be sustainable funding for public services like health, education and water.
Meanwhile, the Tanaiste Joan Burton confirmed that people who get their household benefits package in their social welfare payments on a quarterly basis will receive the €25 relief payment.
Ms Burton has said she believes that Irish Water will provide an easy pay option for older people.