The Health Minister Leo Varadkar has challenged senators to decide whether they want to be responsible for the introduction of higher water charges.

A bill on the establishment of Irish Water could be facing defeat in the Seanad next week.

The Seanad could delay the water services bill which allows for lower charges for households, because the government does not have a majority there.

It can only delay the passing of the Irish Water bill for three months - but this would mean the company cannot start issuing water bills from the start of 2015.

However, Mr Varadkar says if the legislation is not passed this week then the original higher water charges would come into force on January 1st.