A Government minister says it is “inappropriate” for county councils to threaten tenants with eviction if they do not pay their water bill.

Foreign Affairs Minister Charlie Flanagan’s comments come after both Meath and Wicklow councils wrote to Rental Accommodation Scheme tenants warning them that they would be removed from their homes if they do not pay.

Minister Flanagan says he hopes that all members of the public will pay their way, but adds that threatening eviction is “unhelpful”:

The Tánaiste yesterday confirmed she is investigating the claims that people in council houses could be evicted.

Joan Burton says she has not seen the letter, but she is asking officials to investigate the claims.

Burton did admit she would be surprised if a family was evicted from council housing for falling behind on their bills.

Sinn Féin's Mary Lou McDonald said that “the Tánaiste must now assume responsibility and take action to ensure that such an approach is brought to end."

“She must also address concerns that recipients of rent allowance and those in private rented accommodation could face similar threats of eviction due to any inability to pay water charges,” she added.