Updated 11.45

A government minister has denied calling the incoming water charge a tax during an interview on Newstalk.

Speaking at an event in Co. Westmeath, Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation Richard Bruton outlined the need for the water charge and insisted he did not want to get into semantics.

When asked had he branded the charge a tax he replied, "I haven't. Indeed, what I have said is it is always difficult to introduce any new tax or charge. This is a new charge on people, it is difficult politically, I recognise that."

"This is a really important charge that will provide a base for investing in a critical resource for our future. We have a water system that is leaking 40%, that is creaking at the edges, we need investment," Mr. Bruton remarked.

"We are here now setting up a commercial body that will allow us make that investment and secure this resource for the future of homeowners but also of business and employment for the future," he added.

The Minister reportedly called the charge a tax during an interview on Newstalk Breakfast.

Have a listen to Mr. Bruton speaking to Ivan Yates this morning and decide if he did call the water charge a "tax" after all:

Meanwhile, government ministers have this morning strongly criticised a number of protests against the installation of water meters.