No talks yet on method of water refunds, says Paschal Donohoe

Government ministers have yet to begin any substantial talks on how the State will be able to afford at least €160m in water charge refunds which have not been budgeted for this year.

Public Expenditure Minister Paschal Donohoe confirmed that talks on how to pay for the extra expense are only in their very early stages despite a deal being reached on the future of Irish Water before Easter.

After months of talks, political parties earlier this month agreed to a new water services plan which includes refunding water charges.