Updated 08:15am

THE SEANAD SPENT over 16 hours debating the Water Services Bill last night – with the house sitting until around 2am.

Senators were mostly discussing the future ownership of Irish Water with opposition and independent members raising concerns about the possible privatisation of the utility in the future.

The Water Services Bill deals with many of the water charges changes announced by the government last November including the reduction in the bills households will face.

The government has insisted that the legislation provides for a plebiscite to be held in the event of a decision taken by government to privatise the semi-state.

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But opposition senators want a vote held in the coming months with independent senator Seán Barrett proposing as much in the amendment that was discussed for over five hours today before he withdrew it after it became clear the government would oppose it.

Speaking on that amendment yesterday evening, Kelly told Senators that there could be unintended consequences if a referendum were held now.

“I believe what we’ve proposed here is as far as we can go,” he insisted, adding that he has faith in the Irish people that they would not elect a government that would favour privatisation.

One government senator said they expected opposition “filibustering” would ease once the contentious issue of public ownership had been dealt with.

Senator David Norris, who was involved in a number of heated exchanges, was caught waving and making hand gestures during another senator’s speech.

Senators are also now expected to return on Monday to continue the debate and the Dáil is on standby to sit on Tuesday to deal with any amendments from the Seanad.

Originally published 4.50pm December 19. Additional reporting by Nicky Ryan

Read: This senator was struggling to keep his eyes open as the Seanad debated water charges