The Taoiseach's confirmed that the cabinet failed to sign off on plans for water charges at its meeting this morning.

However he's confirmed to the Dáil that households will have to face water charges of AT LEAST €240 a year.

His comments in the Dail come after a tense cabinet meeting, where Labour ministers were furious at the proposals from environment minister Phil Hogan.

Our political correspondent Gavan Reilly reports.