The Green Party is calling on the Government to advance legislation for a referendum on the public ownership of water.

They claim Irish Water is in danger of becoming privately owned if laws aren't changed.

While the Greens are in favour of paying for water, the party is proposing the inclusion of a new article into the constitution which states that water shall not be privatised or commercialised.

Green Party Leader Eamon Ryan says this referendum would help to improve public confidence in Irish Water.