02/10/2014

Ministers' Expenses Exempt From Water Charges

Government Ministers will not be able to claim water charges as an expense on their second homes, according to the Department of Finance.

The announcement comes as many across Ireland express continuing frustration at the introduction of water charges this week.

Finance Minister Michael Noonan has confirmed that new legislation will ensure government Ministers cannot claim water charges as part of expenses.

About 200 people attended an anti-water charges protest in Eyre Square in Galway yesterday evening, while a further protest has taken place at Irish Water's headquarters in Dublin.

People who own a second home are liable to pay a charge of €125 on their non-primary residence.

Bills for the new water charges will be sent out in January.

(IT/CD)

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