The Tourism Minister Paschal Donohoe says he is "absolutely against" the proposal for restaurants to charge €1 for a glass of tap water.
The Restaurants Association of Ireland (RAI) has indicated the charges are likely to be introduced next year, because of expected hikes in commercial water rates.
Adrian Cummins of the RAI says it is only fair for businesses to charge as their own costs go up.
He added however that charging for tap water will probably be done on a business by business basis.
The Consumers' Association of Ireland has warned a move away from free tap water as part of general service will 'indirectly backfire'.
Minister Donohoe says that would be bad for our image, both here and abroad.
But Mr Cummins told Newstalk Lunchtime the charge stems from the Government.
