The Tánaiste has said the government should have decided on the level of water charges for households "months ago".

Eamon Gilmore has told the Dáil that the projected average costs of €240 a year from the Central Statistics Office (CSO) are too high for families on lower incomes.

In a sign of deepening tensions in the government, he is also demanded more details on how charges will be applied to families who do not have meters installed before charges begin in October.

He has made it clear that Labour will not sign off on any deal unless allowances are made for families who cannot afford to pay.

And Mr. Gilmore says water is a "basic human right" and that the government needs to act carefully to make sure nobody loses it.