The Taoiseach Enda Kenny says a decision will be made "in the next few weeks" on whether to extend the capping of water charges.
Mr Kenny says the public must have "absolute confidence" in Irish Water if the system of water charges is to work.
Earlier the Tánaiste, Joan Burton, said the timetable for setting up Irish Water had been "too ambitious".
Arriving at an EU Summit in Brussels this evening, Mr Kenny said a decision on extending the cap on charges would be made soon.
He said: "This is a massive utility for the next 50 years to create investment for infrastructure for high-quality drinking water for business, industry and persons alike.
"So, we want to see that it is fair, that it is affordable and that people have absolute confidence in the system, and we are happy we can achieve that."
When the Taoiseach was asked when the public would get clarity on the issue, he said: "I would say in the next few weeks."