The Environment Minister has told Senators he'll do everything in his power to make sure Irish Water is never privatised.

Alan Kelly was speaking in the Seanad as it continues its debate on the Water Services Bill.

Opposition Senators have tabled a series of amendments calling for more safeguards to stop Irish Water from being sold.

But Senators have been barred from calling for a referendum for Irish Water, for procedural reasons.

Environment minister Alan Kelly has told the Seanad he will do everything he can to stop the network falling into private hands: