Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government Simon Coveney has said his position on water charges has not changed despite Fianna Fáil’s threat over the weekend to withhold support for a new taoiseach.
He said he wants to find a political accommodation for all political parties but has to ensure that any new model is legally sound and does not expose the country to significant fines.
Mr Coveney would not comment on a briefing document issued by Fianna Fáil TD Barry Cowen, saying that is between Mr Cowen and his party colleagues.
The Fine Gael minister said there was a disagreement in the Oireachtas water committee last week which had led to difficulties and talks need to get back on track in a constructive way, which is what his party is trying to do this week.
Mr Coveney said he believes there is still a basis for political agreement.
He referred to recent commentary by members of Fianna Fáil that they would not ask or expect a minister to legislate contrary to the advice of the Attorney General.
Mr Coveney said the issue of how water is paid for needs to be settled once and for all and cannot simply be kicked down the road, indefinitely.
Fianna Fáil finance spokesperson Michael McGrath accused Fine Gael of political positioning rather than dealing with the substance of the issue.
He said Mr Cowen's email was a "statement of the obvious", adding that everyone needs to "be calm and act responsibly now" and try to work it out.
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He said the Fine Gael concerns seem to be around the Attorney General’s legal advice on the draft report.
His party would like to be shown what those concerns are and to deal with them.
He said Fianna Fáil remains committed to the agreement it entered into with Fine Gael last April, and expects Fine Gael likewise to fully honour its commitment under the agreement.
Meanwhile, the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment has said he believes issues around water charges can be resolved, saying he does not believe anyone wanted to go to the polls over water.
Speaking on RTÉ’s Today with Sean O’Rourke, Denis Naughten said the past couple of weeks have been frustrating for everyone.
