The Environment Minister has rolled back on a pledge to reach a deal on water charges and allowances by the end of this week.

Phil Hogan last week said a decision on water charges - and the allowances given to households on lower incomes - would be made this week.

But this afternoon he has said the government will only make those decisions when it is ready.

He says new proposals will be brought to the government this week - but there are limits to what the government can dictate.

Earlier, the Taoiseach has confirmed the government is examining how to make water charges "fair and affordable".

His comments come as the Cabinet looks set to discuss revised proposals from the Environment Minister.

Among the issues being looked at is speeding up the metering scheme and how the standing charge would be applied to accounts.

Mr. Kenny says the government will reach a decision on charges before elections next month.

While last night, Mr. Kenny pledged that this will be the last austerity measure implemented by the government.

It comes as protests against the installation of water meters is continuing and growing.