Minister Catherine Byrne wants water refund

A Government junior minister who paid her water charges has said she wants her money back after an independent commission recommended ending the controversial fees system for the vast majority of households.

Minister of state for communities and drugs strategy Catherine Byrne directly contradicted senior party officials during a closed parliamentary party meeting which saw backbench TDs urge ministers not to pursue people who have so far refused to pay charges.

Speaking during the two-hour meeting which was dominated by the Irish Water situation, Ms Byrne and at least a dozen other TDs and senators said people who paid must now be refunded.