Politics

Fine Gael is open to change on Irish Water

Senior party source says changes could be considered in negotiations for government

Changes to the structure of Irish Water and some minor adjustments to the charging system could be considered by Fine Gael as part of negotiations on forming a new government, party sources have said. Photograph: Dave Meehan/The Irish Times
Changes to the structure of Irish Water and some minor adjustments to the charging system could be considered by Fine Gael as part of negotiations on forming a new government, party sources have said. Photograph: Dave Meehan/The Irish Times
Fiach Kelly
Sat Mar 05 2016 - 00:30

Changes to the structure of Irish Water and some minor adjustments to the charging system could be considered by Fine Gael as part of negotiations on forming a new government, party sources have said.

Fine Gael has insisted that a national water utility and the principle of paying for water are fundamental for it in any government negotiations.

However, a number of party sources have suggested there may be room for “flexibility” within those standpoints.

Fianna Fáil has committed to the abolition of Irish Water and the suspension of water charges for five years.

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This proposal has been rejected by Fine Gael, which says existing charges are extremely low by international standards.

Minister for Health Leo Varadkar yesterday suggested there could be further reductions for pensioners.

Sources said there is scope to show “some flexibility on the edges” while waivers for low income households are also a possibility.

It was stressed that no firm discussions had taken place and that any changes would have to be ratified by Fine Gael parliamentary party.

A senior party source said there could be “more flexibility on the shape of the organisation” of Irish Water.

Such changes could be agreed quite quickly between Fianna Fáil leader Michéal Martin and Taoiseach Enda Kenny, as part of a deal for a minority or coalition government, it was claimed.

Mr Kenny yesterday met members of the Independent Alliance as well as Independent Dublin South-West TD Katherine Zappone, who also had discussions with Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin.

Seeking support

The two leaders are seeking support in the Dáil vote for taoiseach next week.

Mr Kenny told the Independent Alliance he wanted the support of all non-party deputies. Mr Martin will meet the group on Monday.

One Independent TD who met Mr Kenny yesterday said he looked like a man who had his “back to the wall” and was “fighting for his political life”.

Michael and Danny Healy-Rae have told both parties their key demand was the appointment of a senior minister with responsibility for rural affairs.

While Sinn Féin is almost certain to support its own candidate for taoiseach on Thursday, party sources have not ruled out abstaining.

Labour sources said their commitment to vote for Mr Kenny only applied to this first vote and not possible future votes.