The Environment Minister Alan Kelly says he doesn't believe second call out charges by Irish Water should exceed €188.

The utility has pledged to fix the first leak for free - but details have yet to be announced about how it plans to deal with subsequent leaks.

In the Dáil this evening, Minister Alan Kelly said amounts in excess of €188 Euro had been mentioned in media reports.

Kelly said that while the cost is a matter for the regulator, he believes the figures mentioned are too much.

“There were reports at the weekend of in excess of €188 charges for a second call out, after the people have had their first leak fixed for free through Irish Water’s first fix policy,” Kelly said.

“I’d like to express a personal view here that this is too expensive.

“But again I would like to point out, as I have stated previously, this has not been finalised and will be subject to approval by the CER,” Kelly added.

Earlier today it emerged that Irish Water wants to extend registration due by the 31st of this month until the end of November, to allow more customers sign up.

If that is approved, householders would receive their first bills a month later than expected in the new year.

Addressing concerns about the operation of Irish Water in the Dail tonight, Kelly said the government was demanding a better performance from the company.

“From Irish Water I am expecting a re-invigoration in customer focus and to establish a much stronger relationship with the public and indeed stakeholders.

“There has to be a seismic shift across the range of Irish Water activities. Put simply, this government will re-position Irish Water in the public minds, and I expect this to happen immediately,” Kelly said.