Sinn Féin is calling for water charges to be abolished.

Leader of the party, Gerry Adams, said the Government needs to face the reality that it's water charge is going nowhere.

Mr Adams said: "Fine Gael and Labour recently rammed pickpocket legislation through the Dáil in an effort to coerce households into accepting Water Charges.

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"This will see an unwilling public have Water Charges deducted from the wages, pensions and social welfare.

"Figures show that Irish Water has only managed to collect the charge from 43% of households targeted. The Government has failed to win the support of the people for the introduction of Water Charges.

"57% of those due to pay have not paid and will not pay. Many of them simply cannot pay.

"Government threats and bribes have failed. The Right2Water campaign has grown in strength and there will be a major public demonstration next month."

(CD)