The Government has defeated an attempt by Sinn Féin to abolish Irish Water and scrap charges immediately.

Fianna Fáil abstained in votes tonight, meaning the minority had comfortable winning margins.

In the end the Government's counter-motion - which basically outlined the compromise deal reached with Fianna Fáil - passed by 59 votes to 38.

The Dáil began debating the motion yesterday.

The motion, from four opposition parties, called for the utility to be abolished, and for domestic water charges to be immediately scrapped.

Both the government and Fianna Fáil tabled their own counter-motions.

Eoin Ó Broin is Sinn Féin TD for Dublin Mid-West.

He says Independent TDs - and Fianna Fáil in particular - need to explain themselves.

Niall Collins is Fianna Fáil spokesperson for jobs.

He says they have lived up to their election promises.

Yesterday, the minister with responsibility for the charge Simon Coveney claimed the State would face immediate costs of up to €160m if Irish Water was scrapped.