Sinn Féin has hit out at Fianna Fail and Fine Gael over the scrapping of water charges.

Spokesperson on water Eoin Ó Broin TD accused the two parties of making a "backroom deal" on water.

The accusation was made in response to a Sunday Business Post report which suggests that a deal has been concluded on the issue of charging for excess use.

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Deputy Ó Broin said: "The report in the Sunday Business Post on the work of the committee suggests that an agreement has been reached on the excess charge.

"If this is the case it will represent yet another u-turn on water by Fianna Fáil. Having promised to scrap water charges they look set to allow the charge to remain.

"While they will claim that most people won't have to pay, an excess charge will be the thin edge of the wedge for the return of charges for all in the future.

"Sinn Féin is opposed to the introduction of any water charge. There are better ways to conserve water and fairer ways to fund water services."

(CD)