Sinn Féin has accused the Government of "bullying" people into registering with Irish Water.

However, SF Senator David Cullinane said people will not be intimidated by the government's threats to penalise people who refuse to pay their water charges.

Senator Cullinane said: "This legislation is draconian and unenforceable.

-- Advertisement --

"The low number of people who have paid their water charges proves that threats to attach the charge to people's homes and earnings are clearly not working.

"So far, just 43% of those billed have paid their water bill. The fact is that the threats and penalties in this legislation are not working. Railroading this legislation through before the summer recess is a sign of desperation.

"If the government has to resort to making landlords tax collectors for the government then it has lost all legitimacy to govern. Whether the government like it or not people are opposed to water charges and they will not pay."

(CD/JP)