15GILMORE/WATER/CLIP/FOB

The Tanaiste is admitting that the proposed €240 a year in water charges will be very difficult for some households.

Eamon Gilmore says the planned rate, which was revealed earlier this week, will represent a big bill for families on low incomes.

However he says there are a number of issues that still have to be addressed, before the Government settles on the final level of water charges.

And the Tanaiste is insisting the ability to pay issue will be addressed: