How much are water charges going to cost and who is going to pay them?
The debate over water charges has been going on for months but it finally looks like the coalition government has a revised plan.
The plan would see the 50 euro standing charge eliminated for everyone, and special provisions put in place for the elderly and those receiving social welfare.
The uncertainty about water charges has been bubbling away for months now.
Kevin Humphrey from the Labour Party says the concessions which have been agreed will make the charges fairer. The charges will encourage people to reduce the amount of water they use.
Our intention is to make this charge as fair as possible.
Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation Richard Bruton predicts that the average charge per household will be around €240. The details of this cost have yet to be announced.
Questions remain over the unit price for water usage given that the standing charge is to be removed.
Once a household's water allowance is used up, charges will kick in.
People Before Profit TD Richard Boyd Barrett opposes the charges on the grounds that ordinary families are struggling to pay their current bills. He calls for plans to introduce water charges to be completely abandoned.
The cabinet has yet to sign off on the revised plan for water charges but a government spokesperson says that the parties are united on the approach.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 3 May 2014. The reporter is Sharon Tobin.
