Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 1 June 2023
223. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will ensure that all avenues are explored to avoid the upcoming potential strike action (details supplied) which may impact upon persons with significant vulnerabilities such as the elderly and persons with a disability; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26954/23]
View answerThe Framework for Future Delivery of Water Services (June 2022) was developed following a comprehensive process of engagement with unions under the aegis of the Workplace Relations Commission and enables the integration of public water services into Uisce Éireann's organisational structure.
Local Authority water services staff who choose not to transfer to Uisce Éireann will remain in the direct employment of their current local authority while also maintaining their current terms and conditions of employment.
Further opportunities for staff who do not seek to transfer to Uisce Éireann will be identified during the transition period, including reassignment, redeployment, upskilling and training programmes.
The Framework also provides for a dispute resolution mechanism. The parties to this Framework have a special responsibility to ensure they have well developed communication channels and to seek to resolve problems before they escalate into industrial disputes. If a problem cannot be resolved, then all parties need to take up all available dispute resolution mechanisms
I have every confidence that the Framework document is the right way forward for all the parties to the transformation process. For workers, in particular its sets out the options that will become available generally, and empowers each worker to decide voluntarily on the option which is best suited to their own individual needs. I hope the matter is resolved quickly and I would encourage all parties to engage in dialogue and come to a satisfactory solution that avoids any disruption to the delivery of clean and safe water services.
