The controversial pay-by-weight system for bin charges is to be deferred - with a 12-month freeze on the current charges.

But households will be given the option to switch over in January, if it saves them money.

The 12-month freeze came after an agreement by the Irish Waste Management Association, and the other two bin companies outside its umbrella.

They've agreed that households will not face any increased charges for 12 months, with a review then on whether pay-by-weight should kick in.

However, Taoiseach Enda Kenny told TDs that households will be able to switch over to the new system from January if they wish to do so:

Former Ireland rugby international Shane Byrne of AMD Waste Solutions explained the proposal on The Anton Savage Show on Today FM:

The Dáil will tonight debate a move from the Anti-Austerity Alliance/People Before Profit which would turn the minimum charges per kilo, into maximum ones. TDs will vote on that on Thursday.

And tomorrow afternoon, the Seanad has a binding vote called by Sinn Féin on whether the new system should be scrapped entirely.