Sinn Féin has hit out at the government over the establishment of Irish Water.

Senator David Cullinane said that the Water Framework Directive is primarily focused on the prevention of pollution of water supply and Ireland would not face sanction as long as it lived up to that requirement.

Senator Cullinane said: "The EU Water Framework Directive that is the basis for the government's introduction of water charges begins with a simple acknowledgment; 'Water is not a commercial product'.

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"The derogation against the introduction of water charges that Ireland enjoyed is still in effect. Our government has simply chosen the easier path of introducing another tax on working families to spare their blushes in Europe.

"Article 9.4 of the Directive clearly states that 'Member States shall not be in breach of this Directive if they decide in accordance with established practices not to apply the provisions of paragraph 1', namely the introduction of water charges.

"The ultimate aim of the Directive is to achieve the elimination of priority hazardous substances. Ireland can achieve this with a simple public utility, established on current best practice that will supply every home in the country with clean, fresh water.

"That would satisfy the requirements of the Directive and it is what the people of Ireland need and it is what they want. You don't need to spend €86 million in consultancy costs to know that."

(CD/JP)