Draft legislation has been submitted by Sinn Féin which it said would scrap domestic water charges once and for all.
Although officials have briefed Minister for Housing James Browne on the details of a regulation to introduce charges for excessive use of water, the minister is adamant the move is not being considered at this time.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin also stated yesterday that water charges would not be reintroduced.
Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald said that she believes the only way to bring certainty to this matter is through the urgent passing of legislation.
"They are clearly looking at introducing domestic water charges through the back door, under the guise of a charge for so-called excessive use.
"This is nothing more than a Trojan Horse for the introduction of domestic water charges for all households. It's the thin end of the wedge," Ms McDonald said.
The party has submitted draft legislation to repeal parts of the Water Services Act 2017 which it said would emphatically rule out the reintroduction of water charges by this or future governments.
"We are seeking to introduce this legislation as a matter of urgency and to table it during private members' time at the earliest possible opportunity," Ms McDonald said.
