The Fianna Fáil leader has accused the Government of putting a strategy in place to deliberately undermine the management at Irish Water.

Michaél Martin's comments come as newspaper reports today suggest some senior Government figures are calling for a new CEO and board to be appointment at the company, following its handling of a series of controversies.

But Irish Water's CEO John Tierney is insisting he is going nowhere, telling the Sunday Independent that much of the chaos and confusion has been caused by the Government and not the new utility firm.

Deputy Martin says he does not think management at Irish Water are doing a good job, but feels they are being scapegoated:

Group Political Correspondent at Independent News and Media Daniel McConnell says a blame game is underway between Irish Water's CEO and some senior Government figures:

Meanwhile, it has been revealed that householders with a suspected water leak are facing a minimum callout charge of €188 from Irish Water.

The Sunday Times reports that this fee covers any problem detected after the first fix, which will be free.

The company has also sought permission to charge a minimum callout fee for working out of office hours of €282 for the first hour and €141 for any additional hour.

It is also believed to be seeking approval from the Commission for Energy Regulation to introduce a range of other charges - including a €220 fee to test water pressure, and a €17 fee for a special meter reading.