Vol. 452 No. 8
133 Mr. E. Ryan asked the Minister for the Environment in view of the planned investment in treatment plants for water and sewage, the plans, if any, he has to increase the level of technical expertise and experience required to manage modern plants to an optimum level; the further plans, if any, he has to change the structure of the local authority personnel system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8582/95]
The assignment of staff to manage water and sewage treatment plants is a matter for individual local authority managers in the first instance. Following proposals from a number of local authorities, my Department has approved technician level posts for the management of new plants.
The qualifications for local authority officers in the general Draughtsman/ Technician structure are under review and are currently the subject of discussions between management and staff interests. I also understand that the staff side have sought a review of the Draughtsman/Technician structure.
My Department is represented on a national steering committee (comprising also representatives of local authorities, Environmental Protection Agency and FÁS) which has provided local authorities with a professional training course to be run in-house for water and waste water operative caretaker staff. A national assessment and certification scheme which has been piloted in nine counties aims to enable each caretaker in water and waste water operations to have his/her level of competency assessed and certified by reference to a uniform national standard.
134 Mr. E. Ryan asked the Minister for the Environment further to his reply to Parliamentary Question No. 9 of 27 April 1995, the proposals being advanced by Cork Corporation for the provision of urban waste water treatment and disposal facilities for the city; the costs that will be borne by his Department directly or through EU Cohesion Funds; the stage Cork Corporation's proposals are at; the current involvement of his Department in their preparation, inspection or consideration: and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8583/95]
The Cork city main drainage scheme is intended to complete the sewage collection network for Cork city and provide secondary treatment facilities, thereby eliminating the current discharge of untreated sewage.
