State to pay water charges for 800,000 people

Around 800,000 pensioners, carers and people with disabilities will have the controversial €50 water standing charge paid for out of the social welfare budget.

Around 800,000 pensioners, carers and people with disabilities will have the controversial €50 water standing charge paid for out of the social welfare budget.

It is part of a plan to resolve the bitter row between Fine Gael and Labour over water charges at the last cabinet meeting, which led to coalition relations sinking to an all-time low.

There is an acceptance among both parties that the problem cannot be solved by putting ...