It's emerged this evening that a newly-appointed junior minister - who had refused to pay his water charges - has now agreed to do so.

Finian McGrath has this evening agreed to pay the bills which he had so far refused to pay.

Minister McGrath had been criticised earlier this week after saying he would ask for the Attorney General's advice before deciding whether to pay.

It's understood the minister is still opposed to water charges, but now believes the dispute is becoming a distraction in his new job as Disabilities Minister.