Socialist Party TD Paul Murphy has claimed Irish Water and the Government are refusing to reveal how many households have not paid their water charges because payment levels “are on the floor” and it will encourage others not to pay.

But Minister for Enterprise Richard Bruton, who said he did not have the figures, told the Dublin South West TD that it was only through the establishment of Irish Water that the serious problem of lead in the water was identified.

The Minister said a national programme was now being put in place to deal with the problem of lead pipes.

“We are seeing the benefits of having a single integrated utility already and I believe it is the correct approach.”

Bills

Mr Murphy told the Dáil Irish Water confirmed 800,000 bills had passed their pay-by date, but had repeatedly refused to state how many had paid.

He claimed the Government “is hiding the figures although it boasted about the bloated registration figures”.

He said it was “simply a dirty lie” and scare tactics to suggest charges could be taken from people’s wages or social welfare.

Mr Murphy also said the Taoiseach had refused to give him information when he asked how many people had paid and had told him to “toddle along” to a briefing from the water authority.

Conservation grant

Irish Water had refused to give the information and he called on Mr Bruton to state how many people had paid their water bills.

The Minister reminded him, however, they were dealing with leaders’ questions, not parliamentary questions.

Mr Bruton stressed that the introduction of Irish Water was a very important element of a strategy to improve the water system.

“People who register by June 30th will have access to a conservation grant, which will be a very significant bonus.”