The Government expects Independent Senators to vote for the Water Bill as rejecting it could see the public paying higher charges next year, Minister for Public Expenditure Brendan Howlin has said.

The comments come amid uncertainty over the voting intentions of some Senators nominated by the Taoiseach as the Government prepares for crucial votes on water charges legislation.

The Water Services Bill 2014 will be debated in the Dáil on Tuesday and Wednesday before proceeding to the Seanad on Thursday and Friday.

Speaking before the Cabinet meeting on Tuesday morning, Mr Howlin said the Government expects the Bill to proceed through both houses in the next few days.

“I know from talking to individual senators that they’re very responsible. The existing legal framework will come into effect in January if the alternative, much more measured, set of proposals that the government has responded to the concerns of the people are not enacted.

“I don’t think that anybody in opposition and certainly independent senators and others—who will give this very careful consideration—will see that happen because I think people wouldn’t welcome that.”

Independent Senator Fiach MacConghail has said Senators were waiting to see the shape of the Bill when it emerged from the Dáil after amendments had been debated, and were continuing to seek clarity on various issues, such as privatisation and data protection.

Mr Howlin's comments echoed words from Minister for Health Leo Varadkar who on Monday said "what they [SENATORS]would in effect be doing is allowing the status quo to stand, which would mean higher bills landing in January rather than the reduced bills in April."