Will the Taoiseach make time available next week - or certainly before 23 May - for a debate in order that we might clarify the Government's position in respect of water charges? I analysed the figures the Government released yesterday and discovered that the claim to the effect that the additional allowance of 38,000 litres per year in respect of each child under 18 years of age will mean that the latter will receive free water is absolutely false.

We cannot have a debate on that issue.

That figure falls way below the normal amount of water used by those between 15 and 17 years of age.

I can only deal with the Deputy's request for a debate.

The Taoiseach's proposal is therefore based on a complete falsehood.

Will the Deputy please resume his seat?

Families and others must be made aware of that fact. When will clarification on this matter be forthcoming in order that we might tell people the truth about this issue?

The Deputy has requested a debate and I am going to find out for him if and when one will be held. Is it intended to hold such a debate?

No such debate is promised. However, the matter will obviously feature in some of the debates that will take place in the coming weeks.

Perhaps the Deputy might raise the matter in the form of a Topical Issue and I will consider whether we might discuss it.

I will be obliged to do so, because it is not possible-----

And I will certainly consider it.

We cannot allow to stand a figure in respect of so-called free water for those under 18 which is utterly false. Families throughout the country have been given false information.

This is the Order of Business and we cannot debate the issue of water charges now. I must move on to the next item.