Government Talks To Resume Later This Afternoon

Talks between Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil to finalise a minority Government are expected to resume later. 

But first TDs will get to outline their position on water charges in the Dáil this afternoon. 

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Sinn Féin and others say there should be a vote to scrap the charges today, but Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil say that can't be done. 

A five hour session of talks between the big parties brought an end to the deadlock of Government formation with the outlines of a deal on suspending water charges. 

But Fianna Fáil felt there was a need for TDs to vent their position on water charges in teh Dáil and told Fine Gael there should be a debate in the Dáil. 

Four hours of statement are set aside this afternoon – not good enough says the Sinn féin President Gerry Adams.

Anti Austerity Alliance TD Paul Murphy accused Fianna Fáil of a u-turn on their election promises.

But Micheál Martin insisted the only way to end charges was to form a Government and bring legislation before the Dáil and there was agreement on that from Taoiseach Enda Kenny: 

When the talking between the parties resumes later among the issues to be examined will be whether those that paid their charges will get a refund.