asked the Minister for the Environment if, in view of the widespread dissatisfaction with the imposition of charges by local authorities for domestic services, particularly for water supply and refuse collection, he has any proposals to abolish these charges.

The revenue which local authorities derive from making charges for local services is necessary for the financing of the services which they provide, and I have no plans for abolishing that system. I believe that while charges are being withheld in certain cases, mainly in the larger urban centres — and that this is being encouraged and promoted by certain interests — there is wide and increasing public recognition and acceptance that the charges are necessary and reasonable. People who do not pay the charges which are legally due are, of course, sponging off others in this respect as well as undermining local service standards and employment. It is a matter for each local authority to decide on the action to be taken in such cases.

Would the Minister not agree that the only way in which local authorities can manage to collect any or a large portion of this money is through blackmail? Is he aware that, for instance, Cork Corporation are now threatening to withhold higher education grants from people whose parents have not paid the water charges? Does he agree that these are the kind of tactics in which local authorities should be engaging in order to impose this new tax?

I am sorry that the Deputy should use a word such as "blackmail" in relation to this matter. Bills are sent out in the normal way and we are all aware that there is in operation a waiver scheme. It is known that when consideration has been given to the income of families and it has been established that they are in a position to pay the appropriate local authority has the right to pursue those charges in whatever way they wish. I do not regard the Deputy's suggestion of "blackmail" as being fair to local authorities who are endeavouring to make funds available to provide necessary services within their functional areas. The Cork problem has been brought to my notice today and I intend to inquire into its circumstances.