Eamon Gilmore says Fine Gael and Labour have edged closer to an agreement on the implementation of water charges, even since the cabinet meeting two days ago.

He has again stressed that the government will not rush into a decision - even if it means having no deal before the local and European elections.

However, he says the two parties are getting closer to a final deal.

"As I've said from the beginning we're anxious to get this done as quickly as possible," he explained, "but we also need to get it right. What is being put in place is an arrangement which will probably last for the next two decades".