Fianna Fail claims the Bill on water charges and the transfer of assets to Irish Water is to be rammed through the Dail next week with little or no scrutiny.

The Water Services Bill 2013 is to be debated in the Dail next Wednesday.

When passed the legislation will lead to the introduction of water charges and the transfer of the water network to Irish Water.

Irish Water announced up to 240 jobs will be created at 8 regional offices around the country, while another 400 positions are to be rolled out at call centre in Cork, which will process applications and customer queries in relation to operations.

The first bills for water charges will be issued in January.

Fianna Fail Environment spokesman Barry Cowen says the government is giving just five hours to debate this significant Bill.

Pictured above: Barry Cowen