The Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU) wants the government to introduce reduced special case water charges to help those on lower and middle incomes.

In its pre-budget submission being launched today, ICTU suggests an overall adjustment of €800 million is all that is needed in the next budget.

ICTU is also calling on the government to invest in a social and affordable housing programme in order to create jobs and fix the housing shortage.

General Secretary, David Begg, told Newstalk's Pat Kenny show that households earning up to €80,000 a year should get free water:

Groups including Chambers Ireland have been making their pre-budget submissions in recent weeks, ahead of the government's October budget.