The newly appointed chair of the Commission to investigate water charges is expected to resign this afternoon.

Joe O'Toole has been under fire after suggesting the job was a political exercise.

Speaking on Newstalk last week he said the expert commission needs to find "a solution that will have enough sugar on it to make the medicine go down easily".

O'Toole subsequently issued a statement reassuring the public he is 'completely impartial' after criticism from opposition TDs.

In the past few minutes Minister Simon Coveney signalled the appointment of Mr O'Toole would be shortlived:

"I've spoke to him to today and yesterday. I know there's been some commentary and some criticism in relation to a media interview that he did about his personal views on water."

"The chair of the Commission will make a personal statement in relation to that issue later on this afternoon."