There are calls to put water charges on hold while the Government sorts out the latest controversy at the company.

Details of bonuses for Irish Water workers emerged yesterday and Fianna Fáil wants bills frozen while the fallout is dealt with. Among the benefits that staff could receive are increases of up to 19%.

However, Irish Water maintains it doesn't have a bonus scheme. Instead it claims it has a performance related awards scheme.

Employees will be subject to a review next year and depending on their performance they may or may not be entitled to the award.

But Fianna Fáil's Environment Spokesperson Barry Cowen, says it's time for a full review:

A series of government ministers have lashed out at the news concerning the bonus scheme.

One minister said staff at the utility had not yet earned any bonuses, while another said the idea of extra payments "jarred with him".

However, it is believed that ministers may be powerless to stop any bonuses from being paid - because the details were agreed with trade unions.

Richard Bruton spoke about the bonus scheme at the launch of new research centres in Ireland: 

 

Meanwhile, Kathleen Lynch spoke to Newstalk about the issue: