Working Class Action
Press Release:
Undemocratic Bill Rushed through Dail
20th June 2003
A political group campaigning against the Bin Tax has launched a scathing attack on the Government’s "Protection of the Environment Bill", currently going through the Dail.
Last week there was some comment in the media when the Dail was declared inquorate during a debate on the Bill, which aims to force people to pay the undemocratic "Bin Tax".
Joe Mooney of the Working Class Action group said:
"The government could not be bothered to ensure their TDs were present to hear the views of Opposition members who supported the stand of their constituents and disagree with the Bill. However last Tuesday Fianna Fail and the PDs made well sure that their members were present to vote against the wishes of their communities. In addition they refused to listen to any opposing views and forced the Bill through the second stage."
Working Class Action, a group active in community organisations opposing the Bin Tax, has consistently pointed out that the purpose of this Bill is to disenfranchise working class communities. Elected representatives doing their job, by giving the views of voters, are treated with contempt by Government TDs. If this Bill is passed their views will be even more irrelevant - those opposing such double taxation will have no say at all.
Mr. Mooney pointed out that "according to Dublin City Council figures, over 50% of people across Dublin have refused to pay this double tax. In some working class areas non payment is as high as 80%."
Mr Mooney, a community activist in the East Wall area, continued,
"It is disgraceful that the Government is rushing this Bill through before the Summer Recess, so that legal action and threats can be imposed to force people into paying the Bin Tax.
This contrasts sharply with the tardiness of the Government in relation to other serious issues. As the Special Olympics start in Dublin a number of support groups have demanded that the Government produce its long promised Disability Rights Bill. There has been no sign of any urgency on the matter. This is not surprising, as there is no money to grabbed from it by the politicians’ friends in big businesses."
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For More Information:
WCA 087 9620940
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