Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 6 June 2012
547 Deputy Brian Walsh asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he anticipates that employees currently working in water services for local authorities will remain employed by local authorities following the establishment of Irish Water, or if they will be employed directly by the new entity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26255/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe initial transition strategy for the establishment of Irish Water as a public utility as recommended in the independent assessment envisages a staged approach involving local authorities acting as agents of Irish Water for a period, with Irish Water taking over their operations on a phased basis from January 2015, and the full transfer of operations being completed by end 2017.
This approach to transition is the subject of further detailed analysis as part of the development of an implementation strategy, which is currently underway. This more detailed implementation strategy for Irish Water will give further effect to the Government decision of 17 April to establish Irish Water as an independent State-owned company within the Bord Gáis Group. The skills within the Bord Gáis Group will be paired with the specific water and wastewater capabilities and expertise that exist in local government to build the new organisation.
It will ultimately be a matter for Irish Water to determine the staffing and skills required for the new organisation. In the initial phase, Irish Water will work largely through service level agreements with local authorities. This will ensure a smooth transition to the new model and guard against the loss of local expertise. It will also mean that the majority of staff will remain in the direct employment of local authorities for a considerable period.
The Department has already had initial engagement with ICTU at the start of the independent assessment and as part of the consultation process. There will be detailed engagement with staff and trade unions in the rollout of the proposed changes to ensure that the change is managed well.
