The Government is being accused of taking an "underhand" approach after trying to bring in a series of changes to Water legislation.

The government has introduced around 33 pages of amendments to the Environmental Miscellaneous Provisions Bill which was only originally 29 pages and designed to deal with air and chemical pollution.

Fianna Fail Spokesperson on Public Expenditure and Reform Sean Fleming TD said the government have been caught "red handed".

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Mr Fleming said: "This is more of the lack of transparency and accountability we have to come to expect from the fiasco that is Irish Water. The government simply hasn't learned any lessons and is trying to get in further changes under the radar. The amendments put forward included setting up a new water conservation grant database, making voluntary housing associations liable for water charges, making registration with Irish Water compulsory and placing a charge of the sale of a home if the water bills have not been paid.

"The Dáil has not had the chance to debate these substantial changes and now they are being put under the umbrella of an entirely separate bill. Fianna Fáil has always opposed the creation of a new super quango and the government’s behaviour today shows why."

Mr Fleming said he is writing to the Ceann Comhairle to protest the underhanded playacting by Environment Minister Alan Kelly.

(CD/MH)