The introduction of water charges in Northern Ireland could be set for a further delay, Peter Robinson hinted today.
The Finance Minister told the Assembly that a ministerial sub-committee has now been established in an effort to reach a consensus on the shape of the new tap tax.
The introduction of the charges, which were proposed by the Direct Rule administration, has already been deferred until April 2009.
Ministers have yet to agree exactly how, and at what level, the charges would be set following the recommendations of an independent examination of the initial proposals last year.
The Hillyard Review, which recommended the 18 month deferment, said householders already paid around £160 a year for water as part of their rates.
The Direct Rule ministers proposed an additional #330 yearly bill for the average household.
The review panel advised that the new charges should be reduced by around £200.
It also recommended that plans to privatise water or sewerage services should be abandoned and ruled out water metering or a standing charge for water.