Sinn Féin admit they would not have the money to refund people if Irish Water is scrapped
Sinn Féin has said it would not have the money to refund people who have already paid their water charges.
But the party has said if it's in power it would not chase people for bills they have not already paid.
The party has said it is now clear that water charges need to be scrapped, and it would vote in favour of any bill to do so.
But the party's new TD Eoin Ó Broin has said people who have already paid a bill would not get the money back: “What we’re saying is the charge has to be scrapped.
“We wouldn’t be pursuing people for arrears, but unfortunately we don’t believe the money is there to repay people who have already paid.
“We have been very clear from the start, we wouldn’t because we don’t believe the money is there, to pay people back who had paid up until the abolition of the charges.”
Meanwhile Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin has been nominated by Sinn Fein for the role of Ceann Comhairle.
The Cavan/Monaghan TD has said he will be canvassing support from all sides of the house.
The Ceann Comhairle is elected in the first sitting of the new Dail after the general election.
