I propose to take Questions Nos. 156 to 158, inclusive, together.
The Water Services (No.2) Act 2013 provides for the transfer of water services functions from the 34 water services authorities to Irish Water. Section 14 of the Water Services (No. 2) Act 2013 provides that the Minister may, from time to time, designate the transfer of rights and liabilities from a water services authority to Irish Water. This would include contracts entered into by local authorities for the provision of water services. This morning I signed an Order to provide for the transfer of 642 Design-Build-Operate and capital project contracts to Irish Water. Details of the contracts to transfer will be contained in the Order, which will be published in Iris Oifigúil in the coming days. I understand that Irish Water will be writing to the contractors in question notifying them of the transfer. Neither I nor my Department are aware of any instances of late payments to contractors.