Varadkar sets early target for water refunds – but Coveney says ‘too soon’

LEO Varadkar has promised to issue water charge refunds this year in a move that could result in the first major clash with Simon Coveney after the Fine Gael leadership contest.

Mr Coveney has insisted that it’s too soon to set a timeline for paying back households who paid their bill. Almost one million households are in line for refunds up to €325.

The Housing Minister’s officials are devising options for paying the money back, but Mr Coveney has indicated there is still much work to do.

But Mr Varadkar indicated yesterday he would speed the process up.

He said he was part of writing the wording of the confidence and supply agreement, which says no household should be treated any less favourable.

“That means this year, as soon as it can be done,” he added.

Responding last night, Mr Coveney said a date could not be set without agreement with Public Expenditure Minister Paschal Donohoe who will have to find Exchequer funds for the pay-outs.

“What Leo has launched is a series of spending proposals, I think when he was asked about that he has said it can only happen if the money is there to pay for it,” he said.

“The policy document that I launched is a very different type of policy document, it deals with principals and values in terms of what should drive a Government in terms of how they make decisions and it deals with some big ideas.”

In his policy document Mr Varadkar outlined an ambitious series of proposals, including significant increases in capital spending. The minister said any specific promises made have been costed but has yet to publicly release his figures.

During a 40-minute press conference, Mr Varadkar faced a series of questions on his stance in relation to the Eighth Amendment.

He said he does not favour a regime that would see abortion available on demand.

“I am somebody who has had an evolving view on this issue, I have changed my mind a few times,” Mr Varadkar said.

“I find it difficult, I struggle with it. I certainly would be in favour of removing the Eighth Amendment. I think it should be deleted and I am in favour, in a personal view, of abortion in certain circumstances – fatal foetal abnormalities, rape. I personally would not favour abortion on request.”

His document ‘Taking Ireland Forward’ outlined plans to “restore” free education by increasing the Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance by 50pc in two years.

Mr Varadkar wants to “substantially increase capital spending” above what is already planned in the 10-year ‘National Development Plan’.

The new capital plan will include long-delayed projects like Dublin Metro, the M20 between Cork and Limerick, motorway access to the west and north-west and further investment in housing.

Mr Varadkar cited Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and French President Emmanuel Macron when asked about his political philosophies.

“I don’t seek to return to philosophies, whether from 30 years ago, 40 years ago or 50 years ago... what I’m interested in are the philosophies of the future,” he said.

This was seen as a subtle swipe at Mr Coveney, whose policy plans are based on the vision of a ‘Just Society’ put forward by Declan Costello and Garret Fitzgerald.