The Transport Minister says people who haven't paid their water charges – will still be eligible to get a 100 euro grant from Irish Water.
It's after newspaper reports this morning said the government's considering only paying the Water Conservation Grant to paying customers.
Opposition TDs say the government is sending mixed messages, and that Irish Water is a farce.
At the moment, anyone who registered their details with Irish Water is eligible for a 100 euro Water Conservation Grant, to be paid by the Department of Social Protection.
That means even customers who refuse to pay their bills will get the 100 euro, starting from next month.
But newspaper reports this morning suggest that the Government is considering linking the grant to payment, so only those who do pay, qualify.
However Transport Minister Paschal Donohoe disputed that.
While Minister Donohoe refused to be drawn on the matter, it’s understood that the measure remains under consideration for next year.
Opposition TDs were quick to jump on the apparent discrepancy, Sinn Fein’s Dessie Ellis says the coalition’s giving mixed messages.
So far, less than half of those registered with the utility have paid their bills, delighting those opposed to Irish Water.
Furthermore, Eurostat ruled last month that the utility could not be considered an independent semi-state company, as the govt had hoped – and was critical of the water conservation grant.
Fianna Fail’s Environment Spokesperson Barry Cowen says the whole thing’s a farce.
