The Tánaiste Joan Burton has confirmed that a family of four adults will pay less than €200 in water charges.
Ms Burton made the comments in the Dáil this afternoon, while her deputy leader was refusing to comment on changes to the water charges regime.
She was questioned on the water charges by Socialist TD Joe Higgins.
The Taoiseach Enda Kenny has meanwhile ruled out holding a referendum to prevent the sell-off of Irish Water in the future.
In an interview with Independent.ie at the Web Summit in Dublin, Mr Kenny says the coalition plans to introduce stronger legislation preventing privatisation of the utility.
"I am not inclined to hold a referendum. I do think it is important here that we should look at the question of strengthening the law. Obviously no political party in Dail Eireann has a proposition to privatise Irish Water. It is already enshrined in law. It will not be privatised," he told Independent.ie
The Cabinet is expected to sign off on a number of decisions outlining changes to water charges at a meeting next week.
Earlier Mr Kenny said the government will make a statement next week to restore clarity and confidence on water charges.
He has refused to be drawn on whether the Revenue Commissioners may be brought in to collect the charges.
It has been reported today that a cap of €300 may be applied to families with adult children until meters are installed.
Speaking on his way into Cabinet earlier, Mr Kenny said the government will make decisions next week:
