I propose to take Questions Nos. 68 and 85 together.
I am informed that in discussions with FÁS, Irish Water have stated that boundary box/water meter installation teams will consist of two persons, one responsible for the excavation/preparation of ground works and the other for the installation of the boundary box/water meter.
I am also informed that FÁS have outlined to Irish Water that qualified Plumbers would have the required skills for the installation of boundary boxes and water meters as this work is covered as part of the four year QQI accredited FÁS Plumbing Apprenticeship. However, it is not a matter for FÁS but ultimately a decision for Irish Water to decide on the qualification requirements relating to water meter installation and should Irish Water decide that qualified plumbers have the required skill sets to install their water meters, then the question of the state 'providing a free retraining scheme for unemployed construction workers to enable them to retrain as installers of water meters' does not arise in view of the levels of unemployed persons with such qualifications.