It's understood Labour Party ministers will NOT sign off on any decision on water charges this morning.

A cabinet meeting is underway to consider a proposal for average charges of around €250 every year.

Phil Hogan's proposals are reported to include a free allowance for every household, with an annual standing charge of around €50 a year.

However Labour sources say they are NOT prepared to sign off on the plan today, as was first expected.

Another meeting will now be needed in two weeks' time to put the finishing touches to the government's plan.

Going into this morning's meeting, the Taoiseach and his Agriculture Minister were tight lipped on the possible final figures facing householders.

But Labour's Brendan Howlin's comments gave an indication of his party's position at this stage: