Taoiseach Enda Kenny is being called to outline the Government's position regarding householders being refused insurance cover for water leaks from Irish Water pipes.

Sinn Féin Leader Gerry Adams TD has also asked the Taoiseach to rule out the threat of the Revenue Commissioners taking money from people's wages to pay water charges or that people on social welfare would have the charges deducted from their payments.

In the Dáil, Mr Adams said: "Taoiseach, hard-pressed families across the State are still waiting and worrying about the water bills that you are preparing for them. Their anxiety and stress has been increased by your unwillingness, even now, to tell them how much you are going to force them to pay.

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"As if this incompetence was not enough, Irish Water has said it will only fix the first leak that occurs in a householder's garden. Leaks inside the home or a second leak in a garden will be the sole responsibility of the householder who will be forced to pay for thousands of gallons of leaked water and any damage caused.

"The potential bill to householders could be huge.

"If this was not bad enough, insurance companies are saying that they will limit their liability to householders who face these major bills from Irish Water as a result of burst pipes.

"Families the length and breadth of the State have taken to the streets in their tens of thousands. They have told you very clearly that they cannot pay your water tax.

"Can you now explain what your position and the position of your Government is about these families being hit with massive bills for water leaks but who will be denied insurance cover?"

Mr Adams called on the Taoiseach to rule out the idea of revenue being used to take water charges from people's wages or the Department of Social Welfare deducting the charges from social welfare payments.

(CD/JP)