The Jobs Minister has said he does not believe the Government owes the Irish people an apology over the introduction of water charges.

Richard Bruton says that, while mistakes have been made, the establishment of a single water authority is the right approach.

He added that he has full confidence in John Tierney as Chief Executive of Irish Water - adding that his admission of mistakes is a sign of strength.

Mr Bruton says it is important in the national interest that a sound and functioning water system is established:

“I believe that this is a very correct approach. Of course I acknowledge mistakes have been made, the approach has not been as smooth as one would like.”

“But equally I acknowledge that there are a lot of people out there who want to deliberately sabotage what this organisation is seeking to do and I stand strongly in favour of what this organisation is trying to do,” he said.

Earlier today, one of the four ministers involved in the setting up of Irish Water, Fergus O’Dowd, called for a voluntary redundancy scheme at the company.

Mr O’Dowd said cutting staff numbers could help the company make savings.

“If we look at the fact that there are over 4,300 Irish Water workers right around the country ... if there is a constructive and voluntary redundancy package you can reduce your cost very significantly.

“Scotland reduced the cost of water and all of their costs by over 40 per cent over a five year period from 2002 to 2007,” Mr O’Dowd said.