A TD has demanded answers over claims that he and other opponents of water charges are being spied upon.

Paul Murphy raised the claims in the Dáil last night - asking the Taoiseach if he was aware of what's called 'Operation Mizen'.

Reports of Operation Mizen first appeared last month - where it's reported that the husband of Garda Commissioner Noirin O'Sullivan is leading a team gathering intelligence on water protesters - and essentially spying on them.

Deputy Paul Murphy is reported to be one of the subjects - and last night he raised concerns with the Taoiseach.

The Taoiseach said he wasn't aware of any such group - and that the operation of the Gardaí was a matter for the commissioner herself.

And he said the Justice Minister, Frances Fitzgerald, is the one should be answering questions:

Deputy Murphy also complained about the refusal of Gardaí to allow the Anti-Austerity Alliance to fundraise - saying it was like something "from the pages of 1984".