Fianna Fáil is demanding Irish Water reveals the research used to influence the massive cut to the childrens' water allowance.

The Commission for Energy Regulation published the full cost of water charges, which includes a reduction in the free annual allocation for children from 38,000 litres to 21,000 litres.

Fianna Fáil spokesperson on Children, Robert Troy, said: "The Commission for Energy Regulation has effectively rubber-stamped a substantial reduction in the water allowance for children, which it hinted at last month.

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"However, there appears to be no published data which explains why such a significant cut was approved. It appears as if Irish taxpayers, who have already forked out tens of millions of euros on consultants' fees, are being duped again by Irish Water, while the Regulator stands by and approves the process.

"During the consultation period, the Regulator ignored submissions asking him to engage with the Oireachtas and explain the dramatic reduction in water allowances. Despite promising to appear before the Oireachtas Environment Committee he has failed to do so, which in my mind raises concerns about the transparency of the process.

"It is unthinkable that such a dramatic reduction in the free water allocation for children has gone unchallenged. People are already sceptical about the management and running of Irish Water, and the Regulator's decision to grant a 45% cut to the free allowance originally announced by the Government does nothing to ease those concerns."

(CD/JP)