Independent TD Mattie McGrath has claimed Minister for the Environment Alan Kelly "expressed a nasty expletive" to him during a Dail debate on water charges.

Mr McGrath said he did not hear the alleged remark, which was said to have been muttered by Mr Kelly off-microphone, but it had been drawn to his attention.

“I want the records checked and I want an apology if he used that kind of foul language to me as an elected representative of the people of Tipperary,” he said.

“I might be robust in what I say, but I’m not going to use insulting, denigrating language,” he added.

He said he would give Mr Kelly a chance to reflect. “He needs to reflect on a lot of stuff from tonight and he needs to get his sums right.”

The Tipperary South TD was speaking during a highly-confused debate in the Dail on the Water Services Bill. This would give effect to the changes announced by Government for the implementation of water charges and operation of Irish Water.

Mr Kelly said he was not aware that he had made any such remark. “But if I did, I withdraw it and apologise. It wasn’t my intention.”

He added: “You asked me if I said something. If I did say something involuntary, I withdraw it and I apologise.”

The debate on the costs of implanting the charges and the costs of the water conservation grant of €100 lasted more than two hours.