asked the Minister for the Environment if local authorities will be empowered to disconnect water supplies to householders who are unable to pay water rates; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Water Supply Charges.
235.
Local authorities have a wide measure of discretion in dealing with hardship cases in relation to their existing power to discontinue supply where a water charge remains unpaid. The Local Government (Financial Provisions) (No. 2) Bill, 1983, in relation to charges for local services has now passed all stages in the Dáil and Seanad. This Bill includes specific provision for the waiving of charges in cases of hardship.