The Taoiseach Enda Kenny says the Government is to bring forward legislation to prevent the privatisation of Irish Water.

There have been calls to advance legislation for a referendum on the issue, but the Taoiseach has ruled out a referendum.

Some fear that Irish Water is in danger of becoming privately owned if laws are not changed.

Mr Kenny told Sinn Féin in the Dáil he won't support their proposed legislation for a referendum to enshrine Irish Water as a public utility.

He says there are already protections in the Water Acts of 2013, but the Coalition will strengthen that further.