Vote to permanently abolish water charges as early as April '17

A Dáil vote on permanently abolishing water charges could be held as early as next April, according to the government-support deal agreed between Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael.

The deal was agreed by both parties last night, as Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin also said the issue of any refunds for customers who had paid could be decided under the next budget.

Water charges are now set to be suspended in six weeks under the deal.