A Sinn Féin motion to scrap water charges has been rejected by the Dáil.

The party's Spokesperson on Water, Eoin Ó Broin, said he is disappointed by the decision.

He said: "Fine Gael and its partner in government Fianna Fail have instead chosen to continue with the charade of the so-called independent expert commission and the unnecessary Oireachtas committee.

"More time and taxpayers money will be wasted debating this issue when it’s clear that voters want this charge abolished, not suspended. Minister Coveney's desperate attempt to take the heat out of the debate hasn't worked.

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"The so called expert commission is a waste of taxpayers' money, labouring under an extremely narrow terms of reference, which exclude any examination of the structure and ownership of water services. Nor do the terms of reference allow for the consideration of the important issues of water poverty and sustainability.

"The commission will now do its work and forward its pre-determined recommendations to the Government. A special Oireachtas committee will be formed to consider those recommendations and early next year the Dáil will be asked to vote on the recommendation of the Committee."

(CD/LM)