Negotiations between Fine Gael and Labour on the detail of water charges and who will quality for a remediation package are continuing.

The coalition has agreed to eliminate a €50 standing charge which was expected to apply to all households regardless of usage.

It's understood thousands of households could now have their average water bills reduced by 100 euro's per year. The move is being discussed under 'hardship measures' planned by the government.

Labour TD Kevin Humphreys says the Government intends to make water charges as fair as possible.