An Irish MEP is calling for the roll-out of water charges to be suspended until a proper system is in place.
Independent MEP Nessa Childers called the operation of Irish Water a "disaster".
She said it was wrong for Ireland to introduce water charges now.
"In my opinion the charges should be rowed back on and not charged," she said, "or Irish Water should be suspended or another way of forming it should be found.
"We need more time to get it right."