A TD has demanded answers over claims that he and other opponents of water charges are being spied upon.

Paul Murphy raised the claims in the Dáil last night - asking the Taoiseach if he was aware of what's called 'Operation Mizen'.

Reports of Operation Mizen first appeared last month - where it's reported that the husband of Garda Commissioner Noirin O'Sullivan is leading a team gathering intelligence on water protestors - and essentially spying on them.

Deputy Paul Murphy is reported to be one of the subjects - and last night he raised concerns with the Taoiseach.

The Taoiseach said he wasn't aware of any such group - and that the operation of the Gardaí was a matter for the commissioner herself.

And he said the Justice Minister, Frances Fitzgerald, is the one should be answering questions.

Deputy Murphy also complained about the refusal of Gardaí to allow the Anti-Austerity Alliance to fundraise - saying it was like something "from the pages of 1984".