Minister for Health Leo Varadkar has warned Senators that if they reject water charges legislation this week people will face higher bills in January rather than reduced bills in April.

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

Speaking at Temple Street Children’s Hospital on Monday, Mr Varadkar said the concessions and reduced charges announced by Government needed to be agreed by both Houses of the Oireachtas.

“As I understand it if the Seanad does reject the Water Services Bill the existing arrangements apply. So what they 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,” he said.

“So I think the Seanad need to think about whether they want to be responsible for that or not.”