A special Oireachtas committee to consider water charges is due to be established this week.

Independent Senator Pádraig Ó Céidigh has been appointed to chair the committee.

Over the weekend it was revealed that the report of the Expert Commission on Water Charges, which the Special Oireachtas Committee will consider, could conclude that some form of charge is needed so that Ireland meets its legal obligations under EU directives.

In addition, it was reported over the weekend that Fianna Fáil may consider a "minimal" water charge.

In a statement issued to RTÉ's Morning Ireland, Senator Ó Céidigh said he is looking forward to chairing the committee, which will address "the complex issue of water charges" and make proposals to the Oireachtas on a proposed course of action.

He said that he would chair the committee "in an objective and impartial manner in the best interest of the public and in working with members of both Houses within the timescale as set out by Government".

Over the next few months the committee will make proposals to the Oireachtas on a proposed course of action.

Sinn Féin spokesperson on housing, planning and local government Eoin Ó Broin has said the issue of water charges has been kicked down the road.

Speaking on RTÉ's News At One, the Dublin Mid West TD said the independent commission into water charges was always going to recommend some kind of charge because its terms of reference were so prescriptive.

He added that Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government Simon Coveney appears to be attempting to impose a chairperson on the committee and that he had no business doing so.

Mr Ó Broin said the Dáil needs to vote to abolish the charges and the sooner that point was reached the better.

Fianna Fáil spokesperson on housing, planning and local government Barry Cowen, meanwhile, has said that his party does not believe in a "no, never" approach to water charges, but that the existing system should be abolished.

Speaking on RTÉ's Drivetime, Mr Cowen said water charges should be collected through general taxation, but that an informed decision about how water services are funded can only be made after the report from the Expert Commission on Water Charges and following consideration from the Oireachtas committee.

He said Fianna Fáil's position on water charges is very clear.

"We made a submission to the expert commission saying the existing regime in relation to water charges and how it pays for water services, waste water services and the capital expenditure and maintenance of it has to be abolished.

"And we have to have an open and frank debate from this commission to the committee in order to allow the committee make recommendations to the Dáil and to allow an informed decision be taken thereafter about how water services are paid for into the future."