Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 December 2023
323. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when details of voluntary redundancy schemes will be released to local authorities (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53675/23]
View answerThe Framework for Future Delivery of Water Services (June 2022) was agreed 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, as envisaged in the Government’s Policy Paper on Water Sector Transformation (February, 2021).
The Framework provides that a voluntary redundancy scheme will be available to local authority water services staff who are otherwise eligible for transfer to Uisce Éireann yet do not see such transfer or reassignment to other local authority service areas, as realistic options. The Scheme will be available to those who are under preserved pension age at 30 June 2024, and who have already accrued entitlement to preserved superannuation benefits under a local government scheme (2 years’ service) on that date.
The Minister for Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform recently provided sanction to my Department to proceed with the voluntary redundancy scheme on the basis set out in the Framework. While the details are not yet finalised, the scheme will have regard to previous public sector voluntary redundancy schemes.
Following consultation with the relevant stakeholders, my Department will be writing to local authorities to provide direction on the roll out of the Scheme.
